Gene Hackman said he ‘would have died long ago’ without his wife Betsy Arakawa caring for him, pal reveals

Hollywood star Gene Hackman told a friend he would have died a “long time ago” if his wife wasn’t caring for him, it’s been said.
The 95-year-old actor and classical pianist were discovered dead inside their home in Sante Fe, New Mexico at the end of last month, along with one of their pet dogs.
Police concluded the French Connection star’ cause of death was due to heart disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease being listed as a ‘significant contributory factor’. They also believe Betsy may have passed away from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome several days before her Hollywood husband.

Officers believe Gene died from heart disease several days after his wife (Credit: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch via Cover Images)

Gene Hackman’s wife cared for him
Gene’s longtime friend has spoken out about the couple and their 33-year marriage.
Tom Allin told the New York Times that Betsy looked after all aspects of Gene’s life as he didn’t have a mobile phone.
He said: “She was very protective of him.”
He added his late friend said he would have been dead “long ago” without wife Betsy making sure he ate healthy meals and taking care of him.
The couple married in December 1991 after being in a relationship for seven years. Gene was a father to three children from a previous marriage to Faye Maltese.