Betsy Arakawa's Silence Raised Alarms, Family Worried After Months Without Contact

Yahoo

02-03-2025

In the months leading up to the tragic deaths of and his wife, , the couple had grown increasingly distant from their loved ones, according to those close to them.
A housekeeper for Betsy Arakawa's 91-year-old mother, Yoshie Feaster, claims the classical pianist had not been in contact with her dementia-stricken mother since October, sparking concern within the family.
'Betsy hadn't called her mother in months,' the housekeeper, identified only as Keiko, told the Daily Mail. 'She usually called every one or two months. Last time she called was October. We were thinking, what happened?'
Arakawa and Hackman were discovered dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday. One of their dogs was also found deceased, while two others were alive. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office reported no signs of foul play, and a preliminary autopsy showed no external trauma.
The couple also tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning, dismissing a theory that a gas leak may have been involved.
Arakawa's body was discovered in a bathroom surrounded by scattered pills, although the exact medications have not been disclosed due to HIPAA regulations.
Additional medications found at the scene included Tylenol, a thyroid medication, and Diltiazem, a drug used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. Police are investigating whether medications played a role in the couple's deaths.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee told Page Six that the scattered pills could provide critical insights into Arakawa's health and suggested that 'the idea of suicide is always there.' She also speculated that Hackman could have died from the emotional impact of losing his wife.
Hackman, whose 'last event' was recorded by his pacemaker on February 17, was found in a separate room near the kitchen. His sunglasses were found next to him, indicating he may have suffered a fall.
Friends and family noted that both Hackman and Arakawa had become increasingly reclusive. Hackman's daughter, Leslie, previously admitted to Us Weekly that she hadn't spoken to her father for months and mentioned concerns about his fading memory.
Newly released details surrounding the tragic deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have shed light on the harrowing moments when their bodies were discovered.
The 911 call, reportedly made by a member of the maintenance crew, captures a distraught caller struggling to maintain composure, repeatedly saying "damn" as he spoke to emergency dispatchers.
Authorities revealed it took approximately 12 hours to confirm the identities of Hackman and Arakawa due to the advanced state of decomposition of their bodies. Investigators believe the couple may have been deceased for over two weeks before being found in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home.
According to TMZ, the call was placed by a panicked male who informed dispatchers that he had seen two unresponsive bodies through a window of Hackman's mansion. Desperately urging emergency responders to hurry, the caller said, "[It's] a female and a male probably. I don't know, sir. Just send somebody up here really quick."
The caller, believed to be one of the two maintenance workers, Roland Lowe Begay or Jesse Kesler, admitted he had not entered the home and could not provide details about the "patients." When questioned about their condition, he responded that he had "no idea" if Hackman and Arakawa were "awake" or "breathing."
Begay and Kesler reportedly told authorities they had not seen the couple in two weeks, adding to the growing evidence that the couple may have been deceased for an extended period. Initial reports suggest that no foul play was involved, with investigators finding no signs of forced entry or external trauma.
The news of Hackman's death has left Hollywood mourning the loss of one of its most cherished talents.
Actor Nathan Lane, who starred alongside Hackman in "The Birdcage," paid tribute to his co-star's legacy. 'Gene Hackman was my favorite actor...You could never catch him acting. Simple and true, thoughtful and soulful, with just a hint of danger,' Lane said in a statement to PEOPLE. 'It was a tremendous privilege to get to share the screen with him and remains one of my fondest memories. Rest in peace, Mr. Hackman.'
Gene Hackman's career spanned over four decades, earning him a reputation as one of the most versatile and powerful actors in Hollywood. From his Academy Award-winning roles in "The French" Connection and "Unforgiven" to his unforgettable performances in "Bonnie and Clyde" and "The Birdcage," Hackman left a lasting mark on the film industry.