Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa married in December 1991 and lived a life full of love up until their deaths in February 2025.
According to Page Six, authorities discovered multiple love notes Hackman had written to Arakawa before their passing. The outlet added that police released documents and photos from and of the couple’s home, which included photos of the love letters.
“Good morning. Happy several days after your birthday. Sorry still about the dinner and having to ask for your help, although it was appreciated,” one note read. “Love you and the guys, G.”
“Morning lovely girl,” another note said. “Thinking of you and the other little guys. Love, G.”
Hackman, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, even joked about it in another note, mentioning that he was going to do an errand.
“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. “Love, what’s his name”
Authorities also discovered Arakawa wrote notes of her own.
““Hi G! Taking Zin to obedience class & the vet appt. See you back at home! There is jigsaw puzzle on the table. xo B,” hers read.
Betsy Arakawa Looked Up COVID-19 Symptoms Before Their Death
In an incident report obtained by Page Six, it was discovered that Hackman’s wife researched COVID-19 symptoms and purchased oxygen canisters before their bodies were found. A laptop was located “in the hallway adjacent to the bathroom” where Arakawa’s body was discovered.
“He advised he found the computer unlocked and observed Betsy had conducted a search on Google. The search was in reference to ‘breathing techniques,’ or something similar to the matter,” the incident report said.
Arakawa also had sent an email on February 11, which read, “Hi Katia, So, G woke up today with flu/cold-like symptoms, did a covid test, negative. But out of abundance of caution, I should cancel my appt tomorrow and rebook, say, in a couple of weeks, last week of Feb if something is available. Thank you! Best, B.”
The report added that, “She never opened or sent additional e-mails” after Feb. 11.
Arakawa was determined to have died on either Feb. 11 or Feb. 12, just after researching the symptoms and purchasing the oxygen canisters from Amazon.
A Private Memorial Was Held for Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa
Getty ImagesHackman and Arakawa were laid to rest recently, two months after their bodies were discovered.
A private memorial was held in Santa Fe, with Hackman’s three children – Christopher (65), Elizabeth (62), and Leslie (58) – in attendance.
PEOPLE was first to report on the memorial.