Hollywood legend Gene Hackman spent his final days alone, unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded around him.
The 95-year-old, suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, lived in the same home where his wife, Betsy Arakawa, had passed away—likely unaware of her death.
Medical experts believe that Hackman, in his declining state, may have experienced cycles of confusion and grief, attempting to wake his wife before becoming distracted by his illness.
Days passed before he, too, succumbed to natural causes on February 18.
Authorities in New Mexico revealed that Arakawa, 65, had died a week earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare and deadly virus linked to rodent exposure.
Hackman, whose autopsy cited heart disease with Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor, was found near the kitchen, cane and sunglasses nearby.
Their home in Santa Fe also held a grim scene—one of their three dogs was found dead in a crate.
Initially, investigators found the situation suspicious.
However, after an in-depth review, police ruled out foul play, instead shedding light on the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s disease and the isolation it can bring.
Experts describe how Hackman, in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, may have struggled to comprehend his wife’s passing.
Dr. Catherine V. Piersol, a specialist in dementia care, explained that individuals at this stage live entirely in the present, unable to process past events or anticipate future actions.
“I imagine he would be trying to wake her up and not being successful. But then he could have been distracted in another room because of one of the dogs,” Dr. Piersol told the BBC. “Then later, he’d again notice his wife on the ground and would live through it again.”
Hackman’s condition also meant he likely did not recognize environmental cues, such as light and darkness, which help people determine when to eat, sleep, or seek help.
His autopsy indicated he had not eaten recently, though he showed no signs of dehydration. Authorities found no evidence that he had reached out to anyone after his wife’s death.
Dr. Brendan Kelley, a neurologist specializing in memory disorders, emphasized that Alzheimer’s patients still experience emotions such as fear and sadness but may struggle to act on them.
“A person might feel worried or frightened, but they might not be capable of taking the actions that you or I might normally think to do,” he explained.
This could explain why Hackman did not call for help or leave his home, even as the days passed.
The heartbreaking details of the couple’s deaths have shocked their Santa Fe community, where they had lived privately for over 20 years.
“It’s just absolutely devastating,” said longtime resident Jeffery Gomez, who recalled seeing Hackman around town.
His partner, Linda, who once cared for a relative with dementia, said the story was difficult to process. “Even when you have help, it’s a lot,” she noted. “The thought of her managing everything alone—it’s a lot to shoulder.”
The tragedy highlights a growing issue in elderly caregiving.
Dr. Laura N. Gitlin, a behavioral scientist, pointed out that as the population ages, more caregivers are facing isolation, with fewer family members nearby to assist in major decisions.
“With fewer children or relatives living close, many caregivers are left without guidance on when to seek outside help,” she explained.
For neighbors and friends in Santa Fe, the lingering question remains—how did no one notice sooner?
“It breaks my heart he was alone for so long,” Gomez said.
The deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa serve as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by those living with Alzheimer’s and the silent struggles of caregivers navigating this cruel disease alone.
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