Bruce Willis' Wife Emma Heming Has Something To Say After Gene Hackman & Betsy Arakawa's Cause Of Death Reveal...

Bruce Willis‘ wife has an important message to everyone in the wake of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa‘s deaths.

Days after they were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with one of their dogs, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza finally revealed what happened to the 95-year-old actor and his 64-year-old wife on Friday. And it flipped the entire mystery on its head.

It turns out Betsy died first. She passed away around February 11 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare virus typically transmitted by rodents. That was one week before Gene died. The Oscar winner died from cardiac issues, which many pathologists suspected due to his history of heart problems. We know when he died because of his pacemaker. The explanation for why Gene didn’t call someone is what makes the story so tragic — he most likely had no clue his wife died. According to investigators, he had advanced Alzheimer’s disease and was likely confused for that week. So, so sad…

Following the news, we learned Betsy took care of her husband over the past few years. In fact, a friend shared that Gene would have died “long ago” if not for Betsy. The classical pianist was so devoted and “protective” of her husband as his health slipped. But, of course, one can’t help but wonder: Who was helping her through this? Did she have a support system around her? Caregiving is so tough at times! And in light of this, Emma Heming took to Instagram on Monday to address their “tragic passing” as well as speak out for caregivers like Betsy.

The model has been very vocal about the struggles of caregiving over the past few years. She knows a thing or two about how hard it can be since she stepped into the role after her husband Bruce was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Now, she wants Gene and Betsy’s deaths to be a reminder to everyone to check on caregivers. Emma said:

“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 this tragic of Mr. and Mrs. Hackman. 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.”

Emma then pointed out that there is a “common misconception” that caregivers have it all together and therefore don’t need help — when that is so not the case:

“I think that there’s this common misconception that like caregivers, they got it figured out. They got it covered. They’re good. 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.”

It’s not easy to take care of someone else all the time. It can be mentally and physically draining to the point where you need another person to step in and help you out now and then — even if it’s just to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on! This was a much-needed and well-said message from Emma. Watch the video (below):

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A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis)

In a follow-up post, Emma continued to encourage people to “show up” for caregivers. She wrote in a caption:

“Caregiving takes a village, yet most are doing it alone. And let me tell you—it’s not sustainable. Check in on caregivers. Show up for them. Without them, none of this works”