Bruce Willis’s wife speaks out following deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa: “Caregivers need care, too”
nme.comBruce Willis, who is suffering from a rare form of dementia, has issued a statement following the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.Hackman, Arakawa and one of their dogs were found dead in their New Mexico home on February 26, after neighbourhood security conducted a welfare check.Following an investigation by local authorities, it was concluded that Arakawa died around seven days before her husband, meaning the actor, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, likely spent a week by himself, disorientated, malnourished and unable to call for help.Speaking on Instagram, Heming Willis said she hoped their tragic deaths would prompt people to reflect on the “broader story”.“I do really believe that there is some learning,” she said. “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.”She continued: “I think that there’s this common misconception that caregivers, they got it figured out.
They got it covered. They’re good. I don’t subscribe to that.”A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis)Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023, a year after he announced his retirement from acting due to aphasia, a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate.
It is believed he is no longer verbal.Since his diagnosis, Heming Willis has continued to share updates about her husband’s health on social media.
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