Concerns Raised by Gene Hackman’s Wife Prior to Deaths
Santa Fe, New Mexico – In the months leading up to their deaths, Betsy Arakawa, wife of the late actor Gene Hackman, voiced apprehension about a man she suspected was following her, according to newly released bodycam footage. The revelations come after the discovery of the couple’s bodies at their Santa Fe residence, prompting investigations into the circumstances surrounding their passing. Focus is now shifting to prior concerns expressed by Mrs. Hackman regarding a potential stalker.
Hairstylist Recounts Arakawa’s Unease
Christopher, Betsy Arakawa’s hairstylist, described her as “frazzled” when she confided in him about two separate incidents in December. According to Christopher’s statement to law enforcement, captured on bodycam, Mrs. Arakawa detailed encounters suggesting they were being followed.
“She mentioned to me that there was a man that had parked outside of their gate and followed them,” Christopher stated in the footage obtained by Fox News. “On two separate occasions.”
He elaborated on one instance: “One occasion is when they went to White Rock. They went and had lunch there, and the guy followed them from [parked outside of their gated community], followed them all the way to White Rock.”
Arakawa expressed surprise that security personnel were seemingly unaware of how the individual gained access to their gated community, Christopher recounted.
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“When we left, I noticed that this car had followed us from the residence to White Rock,” she reportedly told him.
Encounters with “Mystery Man”
Christopher further disclosed that Arakawa said the man possessed a folder containing photographs of Gene Hackman and requested autographs.
“She approached him and said, ‘I told him he needed to have more respect’,” Christopher remembered.
The same man allegedly reappeared on a different day, trailing the couple to another location. In this subsequent encounter, he attempted to offer them a bottle of wine, which they declined.
“Crazy” Ordeal and Safety Fears
Christopher described Arakawa’s experience as “crazy,” emphasizing his concern for her safety. “I said, ‘Oh my gosh, Betsy, that’s crazy. You should not have approached this person. This makes me nervous.’ He knew what [they] drove. That’s the scary part,” Christopher stated.
Details Surrounding Hackman and Arakawa’s Deaths
The bodies of Gene Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered at their Santa Fe home on February 26. Hackman’s body was found in the entryway, while Arakawa was located in a bathroom of the residence.
Subsequent investigations revealed that actor Gene Hackman succumbed to heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease around February 18. Betsy Arakawa, his caregiver, died approximately a week later from hantavirus.
Officials from the New Mexico medical investigator’s office confirmed Arakawa’s cause of death as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory illness transmitted through contact with infected rodents.
Initial Suspicion and Investigation Findings
Initially, authorities considered the deaths as potentially suspicious. However, investigators noted no indications of forced entry or signs of disarray at the home.
The couple’s bodies were found in a state of partial mummification within their $3.3 million Santa Fe mansion.
Investigators observed a fallen fan near Arakawa, along with scattered prescription pills, suggesting a possible fall.
Legal Measures to Protect Privacy
A New Mexico court recently granted a temporary restraining order to prevent the release of photographs and video footage depicting Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa inside their home.
Hackman’s estate filed the petition, citing the need to safeguard the family’s constitutional right to privacy during their bereavement under the 14th Amendment.
Potential Estate Matters
Furthermore, a legal process may unfold as Gene Hackman’s children await details regarding their father’s estate and final wishes.