Gene Hackman’s friend excludes suicide as the cause of death

Doug Lanham, a long -time friend of Gene HackmanBroken his silence and offered insights into the man behind the actor, divided personal memories and a deep feeling of loss.

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

Hackman, known for his Oscar winners in films such as “The French Connection” and “unforgives”, was a deeply private person who kept his personal life away from the public eye. Lanham, who met the actor for the first time in 2004, remembers a man full of life, humor and eccentricities.

The 76-year-old Lanham remembered the early days of his friendship with Hackman. Her first connection was triggered at a dinner party in which Hackman and his wife Betsy Lanham and his wife be in his restaurant Santa Fe, Jinja.

Over time, her bond deepened and Lanham shared his fights with Hackman. “He was very private, but when the trust was there, this door opened and it was magical,” said Lanham that Daily Mail.

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

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

These personal stories gave Lanham a window in the fights that shaped the man who later became a Hollywood icon.

Hackman’s friendship with Lanham was not just about common difficulties, but also about humor and disaster.

Lanham lovingly remembers Hackman’s playful side, especially his elaborate pranks. One of the most memorable incidents occurred at an unusual event in the Las Campanas Country Club.

Hackman used a water gun filled with red wine to surprise unsuspecting guests. “Gene goes to one of the water buckets … he bursts there, turns into the good, the bad and the ugly and says: ‘You should run better.'”

This mischievous spirit was a consistent property in Hackman’s personality. He often surprised his friends with his unconventional antics.

At another meeting, Lanham Cowboy wore, just to find out that Hackman had chosen casual clothing and Lanham teased for his excessively prepared outfit.

“Where are you going, the props department for all the SH-T?” Hackman joked and added the actor’s legend, which was just as much a character outside the screen as on the screen.

Together with Betsy, Hackman’s death triggered numerous theories on the Internet. The police initially proposed the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, but later ruled out this.

According to the Santa Fe County’s sheriff office, an autopsy showed that Hackman’s pacemaker had recorded his heartbeat on February 17, 2025, which indicates that he had died a few days before his body was discovered.

Lanham was destroyed by the news of his friend’s death, but remains firmly convinced that no foul was involved.

“I just can’t process what took place,” said Lanham, his voice trembled. “We would all be expected, he is 95 and in some pictures towards the end he looked frail.

In view of the deep affection of Hackman and Arakawa and their beloved dogs, which they viewed as a family, Lanham finds it difficult to believe that one of them has deliberately injured themselves.

“If they knew the love they had for these dogs, they were a large part of their lives,” he said.

Hackman was known in his famous career for his powerful appearances in classic films. But 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 Burt Reynolds flew into his stunt aircraft while filming “Lucky Lady”, where Hackman’s high -flying Stunts Reynolds visibly shaked.

“Burt did not take too long. Gene flew on his head and made a few loops,” said Lanham Kicherten.

Beyond the pranks and laughter, Lanham says that Hackman’s greatest heritage is his profound influence on those who are lucky enough to know him.

“Gene was the life of the party,” recalled Lanham. “At my wedding I look up and see Gene and Betsy a Conga line with 20 of the guests going … He led the whole thing, smiling, roaring and had an incredible time.”

The relationship between Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa was a deep love and mutual respect, which Lanham observed first -hand.

Arakawa protected her husband violently and always looked for his well -being. This protection extended to keep photographers in chess at private events.

“She was very protective,” said Lanham and noticed how Hackman kept on a healthy diet despite his occasional rebellions.

“He always eaten with her healthy. But then we went out and played golf, I would look over and he would have this F-King honey roll that was a foot long. It was huge.”

Her bond was unhappy and Arakawa’s strength and care kept Hackman on the basis. “If it hadn’t been Betsy, genes would have been broke or dead,” thought Lanham and emphasized her central role in his friend’s life.

While the examination of Hackman and Arakawa’s death is continued, Lanham’s memories serve as proof of the couple’s permanent love and the warmth that they brought with them their fellow human beings.