Authorities have recently released a new cache of records in the death investigation of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, including a series of heartfelt notes the couple left for each other.
These letters reveal the close-knit nature of their relationship even as Hackman’s health declined amid a battle with Alzheimer’s.
The correspondence is at times humorous, sad, moving, and mundane, offering a glimpse into the private and loving life the couple led before they were both found dead in their Santa Fe compound in February.
The Oscar-winning actor affectionately signed most of the letters “Love G” and referred to Arakawa, his wife of 33 years, as “Lovely girl.”
In some of the letters, he appeared to poke fun at his deteriorating memory.
“I’m going down to that building out past the hot water place where you sit and do whatever it is that people are supposed to do in such a building — maybe I’ll remember once I get down there,” he wrote, signing the letter “love whats his name.”
In another letter, Hackman wrote a joking poem that may have referred to a medical visit, saying, “I’m off to see the wizard, the wizard of achie pokie. She stabs me here, she stabs me there, she stabs me almost everywhere.”
“But I’ll survive, because after I am still alive,” the note continues. “(But sometimes just barely) Love G.”
Hackman, 95, relied on Arakawa, 65, as his sole caregiver during his later years.
Other evidence photographed around the home showed her detailed notes on the doses and timing of Hackman’s medications, as well as the records she kept of his medical appointments in her calendar.
In one letter, Hackman wished Arakawa “happy several days after your birthday” and expressed his regret about a dinner, writing, “sorry still about the dinner and having to ask for your help although it was appreciated.”
Arakawa also left written notes for Hackman around the home, reminding him of where she was going and what she was doing.
In one letter, she wrote that she was taking their dog Zin to obedience class and had left him a jigsaw puzzle on the table.
Another note taped to the wall simply read, “yoga 12:30 p.m.”
Tragically, Arakawa died around February 11 of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and often fatal respiratory illness spread by rodents, according to the New Mexico medical investigator’s office.
An environmental assessment revealed rodent feces, dead rodents, and nests in structures on their property; however, there was no evidence of rodents found in their main home.
Hackman died several days later from complications related to advanced Alzheimer’s disease, kidney disease, and heart disease, according to the medical investigator.
Authorities believe he may have wandered the house for several days, unaware of Arakawa’s death and unable to seek help due to the advanced state of his disease.
One of the couple’s three dogs, an Australian kelpie mix named Zinna, was found dead in a crate in their home when the couple was discovered on February 26.
A necropsy showed that Zinna had died of dehydration and starvation due to being confined. The other two dogs, who were able to roam the property, were found alive and taken into care.
Recently released photos from the investigation showed that the couple displayed dozens of agility ribbons won by their dogs in their home.
In addition to the new photos of the home and the letters, the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office released body camera video, an environmental assessment, and a full investigation report this week.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-18/love-letters-gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-revealed
