Hackman, 95, and reportedly diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer’s, was found dead in his Santa Fe home seven days after Arakawa’s unexpected passing. The official cause was heart failure, but the reality is much more heartbreaking — he likely died because the person keeping him safe was suddenly no longer there.

A Santa Fe-based contractor, who did regular construction and maintenance at the home of Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, said the 95-year-old actor recently appeared to be in good health.

The estate of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, is hoping to keep records related to their deaths private. Julia Peters, a representative for the estate, has asked a court in New Mexico to block the release of photos,