Gene Hackman's friends reveal bombshell detail after star's mysterious death at 95

Gene Hackman's pals have finally broken their silence on the legendary actor's bizarre death after he was discovered deceased at 95, alongside his wife Betsy, aged 65. The Oscar-winning star of Unforgiven was found dead last week in his secluded Sante Fe home with his wife Betsy Arakawa and their German Shepherd.

Authorities are delving into the deaths, with a recent report revealing the couple were found in a 'mummified' state of decay.

In an exclusive chat with The Sunday Times, Gene Hackman's friends have shed light on the actor's true nature before his untimely passing. His mate Doug Lanham commented on the odd nature of the deaths, remarking, "There's so many pieces of the puzzle that don't equate to who they are," He reminisced about Gene and Betsy's life, noting, "They lived a very private life, but at the same time, once you gained their trust, it was like, get ready, the door opened."

Barbara Leniham, another friend, touched on the pair's loving bond, confessing, "He probably did live a lot longer because of her care for him."

Doug recalled how Betsy kept a close eye on Gene's diet, although he'd occasionally indulge in a secret sweet treat. Recounting a moment when he caught Gene with a sticky bun, Doug shared that he'd joke, "Does Betsy know about this?" Gene would then reply in a mock tough-guy voice, "You better not tell her...Don't screw with me.", reports the Mirror.

Yesterday, Daniel recounted their last meeting with the couple before their tragic passing. Chatting with CNN's Erin Burnett on Friday evening, he said: "Last time we saw them, they were alive and well. Meanwhile, Lenihan's wife Barbara, said she had last seen Betsy a few weeks ago at a home decor shop the two had opened together."

In a more poignant acknowledgment, Lenihan's other half, Barbara, shared memories of her final encounter with Betsy, which happened a few weeks back in the home decor shop they kicked off together, adding, "They were so delightful to be around. [I've] probably never seen a couple that got along and enjoyed each other so much."

Earlier, authorities from the Sante Fe County Sheriff's office released a statement about the couple's untimely demise, saying: "On February 26, 2025 at approximately 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, 95 and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and a dog were found deceased."

Initially not seeing foul play as a factor, it wasn't long before law enforcement deemed the circumstances of death "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation".

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