The renowned actor's wife highlighted the importance of caregivers following the tragic death of Hackman and his wife.
Coroner Heather Jarrell explained in a press conference that Hackman was in very poor health at the time of his death. She also indicated that there was evidence the actor hadn't eaten for several days. It was determined that Arakawa died around February 11, the date of her last contact with someone.
Santa Fe County Sheriff, Adán Mendoza, mentioned that, due to his Alzheimer's, Hackman might have lived alone for a few days after his wife's death.
Bruce Willis's wife, Emma Heming, emphasized the importance of supporting caregivers following the passing of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. In a video shared on Instagram, she highlighted the need to pay attention to them and debunked certain misconceptions about their work.
On Monday, Heming, who cares for her husband amid his battle with frontotemporal dementia, expressed her solidarity with caregivers. In her video, she reflected on the impact of the Hackmans' death and highlighted the importance of attending to those who play this vital role.
"This isn't something I usually comment on, but I think there's a lesson in the tragic loss of Mr. and Mrs. Hackman," Heming, 46, mentioned. She emphasized that caregivers also need attention to continue their supportive work. She also rejected the idea that caregivers "have it all under control" and stressed the importance of providing them with support.
In the post's description, Heming wrote: "Caregivers need care too. Period. End of story. #supportcaregivers".
Heming's message came a few days after it was reported the cause of death of actor Gene Hackman and his wife. The couple was found dead at their residence, located on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26.
The Santa Fe coroner revealed that Betsy Hackman, née Arakawa, died due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a disease transmitted by rodents. Gene Hackman, 95, died a week later from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, exacerbated by advanced Alzheimer's. No traces of the hantavirus were found in his body.
Meanwhile, Bruce Willis faces his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, which has also affected his speech and comprehension abilities. His family announced his retirement from acting in March 2022 due to a rare form of aphasia, and a year later they revealed his FTD condition.
Heming, along with Demi Moore and Willis's daughters, have remained united to support him and keep the public informed about his condition. Additionally, Heming has used her platform to raise awareness about dementia and promote research on the disease.
In September, Willis's wife will publish a book titled "The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself in the Caregiving Path," a guide aimed at caregivers to offer them guidance and support in their work.
Emma Heming and Bruce Willis married in 2009 and have two daughters together: Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10. Meanwhile, Willis and Demi Moore are parents to Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 31.
