Gene Hackman's health had been "slipping" in the months leading up to his and wife Betsy Arakawa's mysterious deaths, according to longtime friends of the Oscar-winning actor. The 95-year-old was reportedly homebound in his final days, with friends recalling that he had stopped his routine bike rides and was less physically active.
Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, close friends of Hackman and Arakawa, spoke about the couple's final months, telling People that the actor had become increasingly withdrawn. Barbara noted that he had "quit riding his bike through the neighborhood" about a year ago, adding that his health was "really slipping" in the "last couple of months."
Their account contrasts with that of Hackman's daughter, Leslie Anne, who told TMZ last week that her father had been "in very good physical condition" before his death. "He liked to do Pilates and yoga, and he was continuing to do that several times a week. So he was in good health," she said.
Hackman and Arakawa, who had been married since 1991, were discovered dead in different rooms of their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home last week, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Authorities have not yet determined an official cause, though initial autopsy reports showed "no external trauma." Arakawa's body was reportedly found in a mummified and bloated state, further deepening the mystery.
Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that there were "no signs of foul play" but that investigators were waiting for final autopsy and toxicology reports. Emergency responders tested the couple's $3.8 million home for carbon monoxide leaks, but no evidence of toxic exposure was found.
Hackman's friend and former business associate Stuart Ashman described the actor as having become increasingly reclusive after the COVID-19 pandemic. "Obviously, he was 95, so he was slowing down," Ashman told Fox News Digital. "And after COVID, he was more reclusive, protecting his immune system and everything else."
Hackman, who won two Academy Awards for The French Connection and Unforgiven, had largely withdrawn from public life in recent years. Friends say his wife played an active role in keeping him engaged and healthy. "Betsy tried to keep him kind of active and engaged," Aaron Lenihan told People. "She was still trying to keep him as active and engaged and healthy as possible."
Despite his declining mobility, friends say Hackman remained mentally sharp and engaged in daily activities such as puzzles and virtual yoga sessions. Arakawa, a classical pianist, was described as being "so fit" and "in perfect health" before her death, making the couple's passing even more puzzling.
Ashman, who met Hackman in the late 1990s through their involvement in the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, recalled his last conversation with the actor before the pandemic and regretted not staying in closer contact. "You don't think about it, but your friend is there, and you figure they're all right," he said. "I lament the fact that we didn't spend more time together."
Hackman's passing has prompted reflections on his long and distinguished career, as well as his contributions to the Santa Fe community. Known for his reserved nature, Hackman reportedly invested in several local businesses and supported friends in various ventures. "I knew people that he really backed businesses, if he liked somebody, he'd get involved in their business," Ashman said. "And I don't think it was a moneymaking thing for him. It was really to help people out."
