Gene Hackman had health issues that made him worry about catering for his wife and family. The retired actor and his beloved wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday. Although several investigations are ongoing, the police have not been able to point out the exact cause of death of the couple.
However, close friends and families of the late actor speculate that his health challenges may be an essential factor. When he stepped back from the spotlight two decades ago, Hackman acknowledged his declining health and showed concerns about caring for his loved ones.
Gene Hackman’s health issues
Gene Hackman had a heart attack that almost took his life in 1990 at 60 years old. He was on vacation when the pain began in his chest, and he was immediately rushed to the hospital. In 2004, Gene Hackman revisited the experience, saying that he did not know how serious his health issues were at the time.
He later retired that year after releasing his last movie, Welcome to Mooseport. Hackman told the media that he had ended his acting career, and his only fear was passing away. On Wednesday, Betsy’s body was found lying near the bathroom floor with a dead dog and some pills scattered around. However, the police were not allowed to release the details of the medications due to HIPAA laws that protect the information of the patient.
What killed Gene Hackman and his wife?
Gene Hackman’s body was also found in a separate room with his glasses beside it, and he was suspected of having fallen. There were other medications used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain found in the home, which the police have said are important to the investigations.
Close friends of Hackman and his wife revealed that they had recently noticed that his health was declining. Before his death, he had quit taking long rides on his bicycle and was mostly indoors. The police are still conducting their search and investigations while the loved ones of the deceased couple mourn their loss.