Gene Hackman Friends Made Telling Admission About His Wife
Hackman, who starred in movies like "Hoosiers" and "Crimson Tide," was found dead in his New Mexico home last week. Hackman, who retired from acting after starring in "Welcome to Mooseport" in 2004, had moved to New Mexico after leaving Hollywood. He and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home. One of their dogs was also reportedly found dead in the home.
Friends and family members initially suspected that carbon monoxide could be the cause of death, given that both Gene and his wife, Betsy, were found dead, along with their dog. However, authorities have ruled that out.
Now, friends of the late Hollywood star have made a telling admission on his status in his final years.
Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, who are family friends of the late actor and his wife, have said that Hackman's condition was "really slipping" in the "last couple of months."
The couple shared those details in a People magazine interview published Friday.
While Daniel and Barbara didn't give any official details on his health status, they said that the "Hoosiers" star was "essentially kind of homebound."
Hackman had not been seen much in public in recent years. He last acted more than 20 years ago. Hackman and his wife spent most of their time in New Mexico. His wife was believed to be in perfect health.
"She was still trying to keep him as active and engaged and healthy as possible," Daniel and Barbara's son, Aaron, told PEOPLE.
Barbara Lenihan added: "Betsy was in perfect health (and) was so fit."
Hackman's other friend, Stuart Ashman, told FOX News that COVID-19 was a major negative for the late actor.
"After COVID, he was more reclusive, protecting his immune system and everything else," Ashman told Fox News. "I really am puzzled by the whole thing. You know, there's a lot of different reports coming out. It's kind of a tragic mystery in a way."
Investigations into the death are ongoing.
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