Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, says Gene Hackman’s death proves “caregivers need care too”

Posted On March 12, 2025March 12, 2025

Emma Heming Willis, the wife and caregiver of retired Hollywood actor Bruce Willis, has explained how the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, highlight the importance of caregivers.

Last week, an investigation into his death by the local authorities concluded that Hackman passed away a week following the passing of Arakawa. Medical professionals stated Arakawa died due to complications when battling hantavirus, a fatal disease often carried by mice. The autopsy of Hackman determined that he had passed away due to cardiovascular disease and an ongoing struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

In an affidavit published by the Sante Fe Police Department, Arakawa’s body was described as showing “obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mummification in both hands and feet.” Hackman, who was found in the mud room, is suspected to have “suddenly fallen” and “showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent”.

Arakawa’s body was found by the police in a bathroom with a space heater near her head and she was also said to have been surrounded by pill bottles. A dead dog was also found within 10 to 15 metres of her body, and two other dogs survived.

Now, Heming Willis, a carer for her husband who is diagnosed with dementia, has taken to Instagram to highlight the importance of carers, stating, “So this is not something I would normally comment on, but I do really believe that there is some learning in this story in regards to the tragic passing of Mr and Mrs Hackman.”

Heming Willis continued: “It’s just made me think of this broader story, and that is that caregivers need care too. And that they are vital, and that it is so important that we show up for them so that they can continue to show up for their person.”

Poignantly, Heming Willis also said “I think that there’s this common misconception that caregivers, they got it figured out. They got it covered. They’re good.” She continued: “I don’t subscribe to that. I think that we need to be showing up for them so that they can continue to show up for their person.”

She will also publish a book in September about her experience becoming her husband’s caregiver. Titled, An Unexpected Journey, Heming Willis previously said of the important release: “For many people, their first touch point about this disease is received in their doctor’s office. I think it’s very important how this information from doctor to patient and loved one is relayed.”

“Having resources and information readily available is imperative. I know between my experience and other care partners that I have spoken to; our stories are unfortunately similar,” she added.

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Don Johnson, who is best friends with Willis, recently shared of the actor’s condition: “We’re best of friends and he’s having a little bit of a struggle right now.”

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