Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa Found Dead in Santa Fe Home

Handwritten love notes and letters discovered in the Santa Fe home of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa following their deaths reveal the couple's deep affection and enduring bond. The notes, some playful and others heartfelt, show the couple exchanging messages of support and love during their final months, with Hackman often expressing gratitude for Arakawa’s care as he battled advanced Alzheimer’s, and Arakawa keeping him informed of daily activities. Authorities determined that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare illness spread by rodents, while Hackman died about a week later from heart disease, with Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor. Police found the couple in separate parts of their home, alongside one of their deceased dogs, and the notes were scattered throughout the residence. The couple, married since 1991, had lived a private life, and their correspondence highlights their humor, devotion, and resilience in the face of illness. They were laid to rest together in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family.