Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa | Source: Getty Images
Police Release Gene Hackman & Betsy Arakawa's Handwritten Notes After Their Burial — Photos
Apr 17, 2025 - 08:29 A.M.
It has been more than a month since the couple was discovered unresponsive at their home along with one of their dogs. Here's a glimpse of their devotion to each other.
The Santa Fe Police Department recently released several documents including photos of handwritten notes that Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa penned for each other.
One of the notes from the actor, who owned three dogs with his spouse, reads: "Good morning. Happy several days after your birthday. Sorry still about the dinner and having to ask for your help, although it was appreciated [sic}." He signed off:
"Love you and the guys, G."
A note Gene Hackman penned for Betsy Arakawa, dated April 2025 | Source: Instagram/tmz_tv
In another note, Hackman shared how he thought of Arakawa, "Morning lovely girl, thinking of your and the other little guys. Love G [sic]."
Gene Hackman's note for Betsy Arakawa, dated April 2025 | Source: Instagram/tmz_tv
Likewise, his beloved wife, a classical pianist, also left notes for the Hollywood star whenever she ran errands. In one letter, Arakawa detailed how she needed to take their dog to the vet:
"Hi G! Taking Zin to obedience class & the vet appt. See you back at home! There is jigsaw puzzle on the table. xo B [sic]."
A note from Betsy Arakawa to Gene Hackman, dated April 2025 | Source: Instagram/tmz_tv
The notes were reportedly found scattered all around the couple's home and they offer a glimpse into their relationship and final moments together.
Hackman and Arakawa were discovered deceased in their Santa Fe abode on February 26, 2025, along with one of their dogs, Zinna. Their two other dogs were found alive and well.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the premiere of "The Chamber" on October 2, 1996, at the Academy Theater in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Per reports, Arakawa died first from hantavirus, a flu-like virus caused by rodent droppings, while her husband passed a week later from a combination of heart disease, advanced Alzheimer's, and high blood pressure.
Meanwhile, according to Santa Fe County animal control, the pair's dog is said to have likely died from starvation and dehydration. Before images of their notes were released, Hackman and Arakawa were buried.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman at the 66th Annual Academy Awards on March 21, 1994, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Their family and close friends remembered them in an intimate and private memorial in Santa Fe. The ceremony was attended by Hackman's three kids from a previous marriage, son Christopher and daughters Leslie and Elizabeth.
