Gene Hackman's wife was "super healthy" before tragic death-But a rare disease changed everything

ollywood is mourning the shocking double tragedy of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. While the 95-year-old Oscar winner was known to be battling dementia and heart disease, it was Arakawa's sudden and mysterious passing that has left friends stunned-and may have played a role in Hackman's own demise. Arakawa, 65, was described as a health-conscious woman who prioritized her well-being with acupuncture, a strict diet, and an active lifestyle.

According to Joey Padilla, a close friend of the couple who also cared for their dogs, her unexpected death came as a complete shock. "She was super healthy. She was like a health freak," Padilla told investigators in newly revealed police footage.



"She never had any medical issues of her own." However, despite her dedication to staying healthy, autopsy results revealed that Arakawa had unknowingly fallen victim to a rare and deadly illness-hantavirus. The unusual suspect The disease, which is spread through contact with infected rodent droppings, has only been documented in 864 cases in the U.

S. between 1993 and 2022, making it an incredibly rare cause of death. Experts determined that Arakawa likely passed away on February 11 after suffering from symptoms such as fever and muscle aches.

Hackman, already in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's, was reportedly left confused and helpless following her death. Investigators believe the actor may have unknowingly wandered his home in a daze until his own passing on February 17. The heartbreaking discovery of his body, which had been lying in the entryway of their home for over two weeks, has left those close to him devastated.

Hackman's gut-wrenching last days Adding to the tragedy, sources say Hackman was likely crying out for help in his final days. His heart medication was found scattered on a counter near his late wife, and the autopsy revealed that while he had remained hydrated, there was no food in his stomach. "It's gut-wrenching to know that Gene lay dead for so long without anyone realizing it," a family friend shared.

As the Hollywood community comes to terms with the devastating loss, Hackman's legacy as one of the greatest actors of his time remains untouched. However, the eerie circumstances surrounding the couple's deaths serve as a chilling reminder of how quickly life can take an unexpected turn..