Gene Hackman’s Friend Rules Out Suicide As Cause Of Death

Doug Lanham, a longtime friend of Gene hackmanhas broken his silence, offering information on man behind the actor, sharing personal memories and a deep feeling of loss.

The death of the legend of Hollywood Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, left many more questions than answers. The couple was discovered dead in their house by Santa Fe on February 26, 2025, and the theories surrounding their deaths quickly surfaced.

Hackman, better known for his roles oscored in films like “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven”, was a deeply private individual who kept his personal life far from the eyes of the public. Lanham, who met the actor for the first time in 2004, recalls a man full of life, humor and eccentricities.

Lanham, 76, recalled the first days of his friendship with Hackman. Their initial connection was launched during a dinner, where Hackman and his wife, Betsy, joined Lanham and his wife in his restaurant in Santa Fe, Jinja.

Over time, their link has deepened and Lanham shared his difficulties with Hackman. “He was very private, but once the trust there, this door opened and it was magic,” Lanham told the Daily mail.

Hackman confided in Lanham of his difficult childhood, telling the emotional trauma of being abandoned by his father and losing his mother in a fire.

“His first days were not good,” said Lanham. “His father got into his car, greeted Gene. Even at a young age, he knew he would not see him again.”

These personal stories gave Lanham a window on the difficulties that shaped the man who would later become a Hollywood icon.

Hackman’s friendship with Lanham was not only shared difficulties, but also filled with humor and mischief.

Lanham remembers with emotion on the playful side of Hackman, in particular his elaborate pranks. One of the most memorable incidents occurred during a fancy event in Las Campanas Country Club.

Hackman used a water pistol filled with red wine to surprise the guests without mistrust. “Gene heads towards one of the water buckets … He leaves from there, turns into good, the bad and the ugly, and says:” You would better run. “”

This mischievous spirit was a coherent trait in Hackman’s personality. He often surprised his friends with his unconventional puffy.

During another rally, Lanham wore a cowboy outfit, only to see that Hackman had opted for relaxed clothes, teasing Lanham for his too prepared outfit.

“Where did you do, the accessories department for all this SH-T?” Hackman joked, adding to the legend of the actor who was as much an off -screen character as on the screen.

The death of Hackman, with Betsy, has sparked many theories on the internet. The police initially suggested the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, but then excluded this.

According to the sheriff’s office of the County of Santa Fe, an autopsy revealed that Hackman’s cardiac stimulator had ceased to record his heart rate on February 17, 2025, suggesting that he had died several days before the discovery of his body.

Lanham was devastated by the news of the death of his friend but remains categorical that no unfair game has been involved.

“I just can’t treat what happened,” shares Lanham, his trembling voice. “We all expected, he is 95 years old, and in some photos towards the end, he looked fragile. But to read and hear what happened, I always find it difficult to understand. Because they were so worthy and so in love with each other.”

Given the deep affection of Hackman and Arakawa for each other and their beloved dogs, which they considered a family, Lanham has trouble believing that one of them would have intentionally hurt.

“If you knew the love they had for these doggies, they were doing much of their lives,” he said.

Hackman was known for his powerful performances in classic films throughout his illustrious career. However, those who are closest to him remember him for his playful nature and the deep love he shared with his wife.

Lanham remembers when Hackman piloted Burt Reynolds on his waterfall plane by turning “Lucky Lady”, where Hackman’s high -flying waterfalls left Reynolds visibly shaken.

“Burt did not last too long. Gene was flying backwards, making curls,” said Lanham laughing.

Beyond pranks and laughter, Lanham says that Hackman’s biggest heritage is his deep impact on those who are fortunate to know him.

“Gene was party life,” recalls Lanham. “During my wedding, I look up and see Gene and Betsy get a Congga line with 20 of the guests … He led everything, smiling, screaming and spending an incredible moment.”

The relationship of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa was that of deep love and mutual respect, which Lanham was witness of the first hand.

Arakawa was fiercely protecting her husband, always looking for her well-being. This protection has spread to keep photographers at a distance during private events.

“She was very protective,” said Lanham, noting how she kept Hackman on a healthy diet despite her occasional rebellions.

“He was still eating in good health with her. But then we were going to play golf, I would watch and he would have this f -ck honey bun that was a long foot. It was huge.”

Their link was unshakable and the strength and care of Arakawa kept Hackman on the earth. “If it was not for Betsy, Gene would have been broke or dead,” said Lanham, highlighting her central role in the life of her friend.

While the investigation into the death of Hackman and Arakawa continues, the memories of Lanham testify to the lasting love of the couple and the warmth they brought to those around them.