According to The Guardian, Arakawa had taken on the role of Hackman’s primary caregiver in his later years. The two-time Oscar-winning actor had been battling Alzheimer’s disease, leaving him unable to manage basic daily tasks. Arakawa took charge of their home, ensuring her husband remained engaged and safe.

Following her passing—believed to have occurred around February 11—Hackman was left alone in their house for days, confused and unable to seek assistance. At a later press conference, investigators stated that he likely wasn’t even aware that his wife had died.

As reported by The Daily Mail, Tom Allin, a close friend of the couple, disclosed that Hackman was unable to call for help after Arakawa’s passing because he didn’t own a phone and had no interest in modern technology.

“This is so sad. Mrs. Hackman died, and Gene was so far advanced with his Alzheimer’s that he was wandering around and didn’t eat,” an insider shared, emphasizing the devastating impact of his illness, which was also cited as a “significant factor” in his passing.

They continued, “If he didn’t have a phone he couldn’t have called for help, even if he’d wanted to.”

Tragically, when maintenance worker Jesse Kesler discovered the couple’s bodies, one of their three dogs, Zinna, was also found deceased inside a crate.

Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.