Hollywood great Gene Hackman was found dead alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog this week, with reports emerging that mummification had started
Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa kept the Hollywood legend on a “strict diet” before their deaths, a friend has claimed.
The actor, 95, was found dead at home, alongside his wife, 63, on Wednesday (February 26). While no official cause of death has yet been released, his daughter said the family suspects “carbon monoxide poisoning”.
In a chilling turn of events, their bodies were found to be partially “mummified” and in separate rooms. Sadly, their dog was found dead in a closet near their bodies.
Now, Gene’s long-time friend and former business partner Doug Lanham has claimed that pianist Betsy made sure Gene’s diet was good in the years leading to their deaths. Doug claimed that Betsy was so strict with it, that Gene could only sneak in a cheat meal when they were out golfing.
Doug and Gene met at the Jinja Bar & Bistro, which Doug owned. Gene picked up an interest in the industry and would go on to become co-owner of the establishment.
When eating there, Doug told TMZ he’d go for halibut or rice-paper salmon due to Betsy’s diet regimen. He’d also reportedly often pay the tab for a few customers too.
Despite retiring from acting in 2004, he still kept busy with painting, and all of the artwork in the restaurant was done by Gene. He sold off his stake in the business around seven years ago, with Doug saying he made a nice bit of money from it.
Doug said Gene would often play tricks on him, like putting his fingers to his back and saying: “Reach for the stars.”
And he would share stories from his days in Hollywood too, despite shunning it all for a quiet life in New Mexico.
Now, law enforcement are treating Gene and Betsy’s deaths as suspicious. A police report details a number of unanswered questions.
For one, cops are trying to figure out of the pair fell, with them both being found in different rooms. There’s also the question of why two of their dogs survived, and one was found dead in a closet in the home.
However they appear to have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning. Officials reported no obvious sign of a leak or issue.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
