Top Boy star Ashley Walters has candidly explained how he has rebuilt his relationship with his family after seeking treatment for alcoholism.
The 42-year-old actor is a father of eight children – and is also a grandfather after his granddaughter, Neveah Jade Walters, arrived in 2020. The star has been married to EastEnders and Chewing Gum actress Danielle Walters since 2013 and together they share two children.
The BIFA award-winning actor has been through personal struggles in the past – spending time in a young offenders institute in 2002 and battling alcoholism for years after. He is now five years sober, however, but has explained that he is still making it up to his family after his drinking “took its toll” on his home life.
Ashley revealed he went into rehab and has since turned his life around – but knows that he will be in recovery for the rest of his life. He also explained the heartbreaking moment that his young daughter said one thing that made him realise he needed to change.
Ashley has been married to wife Danielle since 2013 (Brett D. Cove / SplashNews.com)
The Top Boy star is the father of eight and is also a grandfather (Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Opening up on The Jonathan Ross Show in an interview due to air on Saturday night, the Netflix star opens up about his alcohol battle, revealing: “I drank too much alcohol. I am nearly five years sober now… It took its toll on my body, it took its toll on my career but more importantly my family – my wife and my kids”.
Reflecting on the moment he realised he needed help, he recounted: “The day I decided to get help was the day my six-year old daughter at the time knocked on my bedroom door and said she didn’t want me to live there anymore and that was hard to take – it hit me in the heart”. He added: “I went in (rehab) for four weeks and came out a better man”.
Show host Jonathan then asked the Top Boy star if he had managed to rebuild his relationships with his children. The star replied: “It’s a lifelong amends. I’m paying back to them everyday. It’s tough. Some people find it hard to forget but what I do everyday is clean my side of the street and put out that olive branch and they’re slowly coming back to the table so it’s good”.
During the interview, Ashley also opened up about an 18-month period that he spent behind bars. He was sentenced to serve time in a young offenders institute in 2002 after being arrested for possessing a gun.
He said: “It was a nightmare. I have a vivid memory of being brought into the holding cell with other inmates who have just come in as well, to be processed. We’re all sitting there together on this bench and they’ve got a TV in the corner just playing over and over again the news story of me being brought into court. I realised that I was going to be in for a hard time at that point”.
A medical officer has revealed the tragic final scenario that likely played out before Gene Hackman’s death last month.
It has been confirmed the Hollywood icon died aged 95 days after the passing of his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Now, in a heartbreaking press conference, Gene’s final days have been unfolded by experts.
Hollywood legend Gene, 95, and his wife, Betsy were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26. Their dog was also discovered deceased at the scene. Chief medical examiner from New Mexico at the office of the medical investigator, Dr Heather Jarrell, confirmed it’s likely Gene passed away almost a week after his wife.
She stated Gene’s pacemaker recording information on February 17, and stated the last known activities of Betsy were determined to take place on February 11 when she was last seen alive. It was also shared that two-time Oscar winner Gene had been living with Alzheimer’s disease prior to his passing.
Gene died aged 95 (AP)
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza also explained there was no evidence Gene had eaten in the days before his death. He said: “Hackman was likely home with his deceased wife for one week before he died. There was no food in his stomach, which means he had not eaten recently, but he had also no evidence of dehydration”.
Gene “was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s, and it’s quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased”, Jarrell also noted, adding that the “question is difficult to answer.
She explained:” The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman 95 years is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor. Autopsy examination and a full body post mortem CT examination demonstrated no acute findings of internal or external trauma, and showed severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure.
“Examination of the brain showed advanced Alzheimer’s disease, as well as blood vessel changes in the brain secondary to chronic high blood pressure. Laboratory testing performed at scientific laboratories division was negative for COVID, 19, influenza and other common respiratory viruses. Testing for Hantavirus was negative. Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. Additionally, there were no autopsy findings concerning for Hantavirus infection”.
A press conference took place on Friday
Tests on Hackman’s pacemaker previously showed that he was alive on February 17 when a “last event” was recorded, nine days before his body and his wife’s were discovered. Dr Jarrell told the press conference: “Mr Hackman’s initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17, with subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on February 18, which was the last record of heart activity.
” Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr Hackman probably died around February 18. Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Ms Hackman passed away first with February 11 being the last time that she was known to be alive. “
Betsy was confirmed to have died from hantavirus, pulmonary syndrome. Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are carried by rodents and can cause serious illness and death in humans, according to US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans through the infected urine, droppings or saliva of certain species of mice and rats. The mortality of the hantavirus strain in the south west of the United States is about 38% to 50%, and is not transmissible from person to person, Dr Jarrell added.
Dr Jarrell explained that no trace of COVID 19 or influenza was found within Betsy. She added:” Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. There were no other significant natural disease findings. Pills present on scene, or thyroid medication, which were being taken as prescribed and is not currently a concern for a contributory cause of death. “
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Health experts have revealed five key signs of the flu-like Hantavirus after Gene Hackman’s wife died from the infectious disease.
US officials revealed today that iconic actor Gene Hackman, 95, likely died around February 18 after his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, is believed to have died on February 11 from the rare disease. The pair were found at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26, alongside their dog.
The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator said Arakawa died from the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Hackman suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s disease and died from a heart condition. It is likely he did not know that his wife had died.
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home in Santa Fe (Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
It is believed Mr Hackman died about a week after his wife (NY Daily News via Getty Images)
Authorities initially ruled out foul play after the bodies were discovered February 26. Immediate tests for carbon monoxide poisoning were negative.
According to the US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the hantavirus is a family of viruses that can cause serious illness and even death. They are spread mainly by rodents and are not spread from person-to-person.
Symptoms of hantavirus include:
Fever
Fatigue
Muscle aches, especially in the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders
Headache
Dizziness
Four to 10 days following the initial phase of the illness, the late symptoms of hantavirus appear. The symptoms include coughing and shortness of breath.
Hantavirus can be spread from rodents (Getty Images)
The disease can be deadly. An estimated 38 per cent of people who develop respiratory symptoms may die from the disease.
There are ways people can reduce the risk they have from contracting hantavirus. This includes eliminating or minimizing contact with rodents in your home, workplace or campsite to reduce the risk of getting the virus.
The CDC said diagnosing hantavirus is difficult to do when a person has been infected for less than 72 hours. The initial test is dome before the virus can be found and repeat testing is often done about 72 hours after symptoms start.
A medical expert has confirmed Gene Hackman’s wife died days before her actor husband, revealing her cause of death.
The cause of death for Betsy Arakawa was confirmed to have been from hantavirus, pulmonary syndrome. A medical examiner revealed in the latest press conference that the manner of death was “natural”.
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are carried by rodents and can cause serious illness and death in humans, according to US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.
Hollywood legend Gene, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26. Their dog was also discovered deceased at the scene.
Betsy and Gene in 1989 (ullstein bild via Getty Images)
Now, Dr Heather Jarrell has revealed it is probable Betsy died first, with a date of around February 11 confirmed. Gene is thought to have died a number of days later on around February 18, findings have discovered. The chief medical examiner from New Mexico at the office of the medical investigator performed autopsies on the pair and revealed her findings in a press conference on Friday.
Confirming Betsy’s death as “natural”, she stated the cause was hantavirus and pulmonary syndrome. Symptoms of hantavirus include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, especially in the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders, headache and dizziness.
Dr Jarrell explained that no trace of COVID 19 or influenza was found within Betsy. She added: “Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. There were no other significant natural disease findings. Pills present on scene, or thyroid medication, which were being taken as prescribed and is not currently a concern for a contributory cause of death”.
She also said of Gene’s death: “The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman, aged 95 years, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor”. When explaining the times of their deaths, she said: “Mr. Hackman’s initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17, subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on February 18, which was the last record of heart activity.
A press conference took place on Friday
” Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman probably died around February 18, based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Ms Hackman passed away first February, 11, being the last time that she was not to be alive last week. “However, she did state:” There is no reliable scientific method to accurately determine the exact time or date of death. “
Gene and Betsy’s cause of deaths being confirmed comes just days on from Morgan Freeman’s heartbreaking tribute to Gene at the Academy Awards on Sunday night. Oscar winner Morgan Freeman paid tribute to his late friend saying he was a” generous performer “who had” won the hearts of film lovers around the world”.
Taking to the stage at the 97th Oscars, ahead of the In Memoriam segment, Morgan, 87, said” this week our community lost a giant and I lost a dear friend”. He added:” I had the pleasure of working with Gene on two films, Unforgiven and Under Suspicion, and like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work.
“He received two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world. Gene always said, ‘ I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work’. So I think I speak for us all when I say, Gene, you’ll be remembered for that and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend”.
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Late actor Gene Hackman was living with advanced Alzheimer’s disease before dying a week on from his wife.
It has been confirmed that the award-winning actor’s wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, passed away several days before her husband last month, with it revealed that Gene died in poor health with no food in his stomach.
A press conference was held earlier tonight (Friday afternoon, US time) regarding the tragic and mysterious deaths of Hollywood legend Gene and his wife, Betsy. The late couple’s respective cause of deaths were confirmed alongside a number of other heartbreaking details.
Gene and Betsy, who were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, 2025, left many unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of their passing. Authorities provided an update on the ongoing investigation.
A press conference was held earlier today regarding the tragic and mysterious deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa (Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
The couple were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, 2025 (Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Two-time Oscar winner Gene died heart disease a week after his wife Betsy died of a rare infectious disease at their home, a pathologist said this evening. Dr Heather Jarrell, chief medical examiner for New Mexico, told the press conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico, US, it was “reasonable to conclude” that Ms Arakawa, also known as Betsy Hackman, 65, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on February 11 at the couple’s home in Santa Fe.
Gene, aged 95, died a week later on February 18 of “hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor”, the expert said. It’s thought Gene could have been alive for a week with his late wife’s body in the house alongside him.
Dr Heather Jarrell said at the press conference: “Gene Hackman aged 95 years is hypertensive and cardiovascular disease with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor autopsy examination and a full body post-mortem CT examination demonstrated no acute findings of internal or external trauma.
” It showed severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks, and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure. Examination of the brain showed advance Alzheimer’s disease, as well as blood vessel changes in the brain, secondary to chronic high blood pressure.
“Laboratory testing, performed at scientific laboratory division was negative for COVID-19 influenza and other common respiratory viruses, testing for Huntirus was negative testing for carbon monoxide was negative. Additionally, there were no autopsy findings concerning for Hontavirus infection”.
The press conference answered a number of previously unanswered questions
She added: “I have been asked when death occurred for these individuals. There is no reliable scientific method to accurately determine the exact time or date of death. Mr. Hackman’s initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17. With subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of aterial fibrillation on February 18, which was the last record of heart activity based on this information. it is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman probably died around February 18”.
The press conference also revealed that Betsy Hackman passed away on February 11, 2025. She died from complications related to Hantavirus, which is transmitted through exposure to mouse excrement. The spokesperson added: “Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Ms Hackman passed away, first with February 11 being the last time that she was known to be alive. Lastly, clinically, Hantavirus infection is characterized by flu like symptoms consisting of fever, muscle aches, cough, sometimes vomiting and diarrhea that can progress to shortness of breath and cardiac or heart failure and lung failure.
” This occurs after a one to eight week exposure to excrement from a primarily particular mouse species that carries Hantavirus. The mortality of hantavirus, excuse me, the mortality rate of the Hantavirus strain in the Southwest is about 38 to 50% the Hantavirus strains in the United States are not transmissible from person to person, and so this is an appropriate time to segue to Dr Aaron Phipps, the state Public Health veterinarian with the New Mexico Department of Health. But before I do so, I’d like to kindly ask for everyone to please respect the privacy that Mr. Jean Hackman, Miss Betsy Hackman and their family and friends deserve. Thank you. “
Gene and Betsy was found dead, along with their dog, in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home under puzzling circumstances, and authorities are expected to reveal further details on the investigation. Gene, 95, known for his iconic roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Hoosiers, was found alongside his wife of over 30 years, Betsy, 65, and one of their dogs.
Their bodies were discovered after a maintenance worker requested a wellness check, after seeing the pair unresponsive in their home. Initial reports indicated no external signs of foul play, but the cause of their deaths remained unclear until the press confrence this evening.
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The cause of deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been revealed.
On Friday, authorities in New Mexico revealed the cause of death of both the Hollywood legend and his wife – who he had been married to since 1991. Dr Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico at the office of the Medical Investigator, shared the medical insights to the deaths.
In a details-filled press conference, Dr Jarrell explained that Betsy most likely died first, while Gene had died a week later – with his pacemaker recording information on February 18. The last known activities of Betsy were determined to take place on February 11 when she was last seen alive.
The medical expert revealed: “The cause of death for Miss Betsy Hackman, aged 65 years, is hantavirus, pulmonary syndrome. The manner of death is natural, autopsy, examination and full body post mortem, CT demonstrated no findings of trauma, internally or externally, with microscopic findings consistent with Coronavirus pulmonary syndrome”.
Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead last month (ullstein bild via Getty Images)
Dr Jarrell explained that no trace of COVID 19 or influenza was found within Betsy. She added: “Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. There were no other significant natural disease findings. Pills present on scene, or thyroid medication, which were being taken as prescribed and is not currently a concern for a contributory cause of death”.
The authorities went on to explain that hantavirus can be transmitted by rats and that warnings were issued to those entering the property to reduce the risk of others becoming infected. It was explained: “We did identify signs of rodent entry and other structures on the property and provided information and resources mission related to those areas. Hantavirus can be transmitted to people through rodent urine, droppings or saliva, so it is important to take special steps when cleaning up after vermin, avoiding contact with or breathing in aerosolised rodent urine or faeces, especially in a poorly ventilated area, is key”.
Attention then turned to the death of Gene, with Dr Jarrell revealing that there were several causes of his death – but adding it could not be confirmed that heart failure had occurred. She also revealed that the star had battled Alzheimer’s disease ahead of his death.
Dr Jarrell explained: “The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman, 95 years, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor. Autopsy examination and a full body post mortem CT examination demonstrated no acute findings of internal or external trauma, and showed severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure”.
A press conference in New Mexico on Friday uncovered details of the deaths
She continued: “Examination of the brain showed advanced Alzheimer’s disease, as well as blood vessel changes in the brain secondary to chronic high blood pressure. Laboratory testing performed at scientific laboratories division was negative for COVID, 19, influenza and other common respiratory viruses. Testing for Hantavirus was negative. Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. Additionally, there were no autopsy findings concerning for Hantavirus infection”.
Earlier, a timeline of Betsy’s last known movements was uncovered, revealing she had emailed a massage therapist at approximately 11: 21am on 11 February and attended a local Farmers Market between 3: 30pm and 4: 15pm. She then visited a CVS Pharmacy in Santa Fe between 4: 12pm and 4: 20pm before then stopping at a local pet store at about 4: 54pm.
Police revealed CCTV footage showed her car returning home at 5: 15pm and that they discovered unopened emails dating from 11 February. Officers have petitioned phone companies to retrieve records of Gene and Betsy’s devices.
Gene and his wife lived in a secluded home in New Mexico (Jonathan Buckmaster)
While the police did not specify an exact date of death of the musician, they noted that she had last been in public and active via email communication on 11 February. It was then revealed that Gene had died approximately a full week later – with the star’s pacemaker being a relatively reliable source of information.
Dr Jarrell revealed: “Mr. Hackman’s initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17, with subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on February 18, which was the last record of heart activity. Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman probably died around February 18”.
Insight was also shared into the death of a dog – whose body had also been found at the property last month. The couple’s pet, named Zinna, had been receiving treatment at a local veterinary practice and was retrieved by Betsy on the last day she was seen in public. Police surmised that the animal had undergone a procedure – with police stating: “]This] may explain why the dog was in a crate at the residence”.
Gene was a celebrated star with decades of film credits – winning two Oscars over the years (AP)
Following the police statement, a member of the assembled press asked the authorities if it was possible Zinna had suffered from hantavirus too – however, Dr Jarrell firmly debunked the theory, stating that dogs cannot contract the disease.
Over the course of Friday’s update, an agonising timeline of Gene’s final days were laid out by the authorities. During a question and answer segment with members of the press, more details were revealed of what Gene’s final days could have been like.
Asked if he could have survived without his wife, Dr Jarrell said: “The answer to that question is that Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease. I’m not aware of what his normal daily functioning capability was. He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his in his death”.
One of Gene and Betsy’s dogs, named Zinna, was also found dead at the property
She added: “I was able to look at fluid to determine if he was dehydrated, and I did not see evidence of dehydration. I did see evidence of very poor kidney function, and I think he died as a result of his his heart disease, and with Alzheimer’s being that contributing factor”.
She was then asked if Gene could have been starved in the days leading up to his death. Dr Jarrell replied: “There was no food in his stomach, which means he had not eaten recently, but he had also no evidence of dehydration”.
Another reported asked if Gene’s Alzheimer’s could have been too unwell to be aware his wife had died. Dr Jarrell replied: “I think that question is difficult to answer, but I can tell you that he was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s, and it’s quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased”.
Friday’s press conference shared many answers to the deaths of Gene and Betsy (Getty Images)
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza was then asked if the fact Gene had been found beside a cane and glasses could be interpreted as evidence he was trying to reach his wife to help her. The Sheriff replied: “That’s hard to that’s hard to answer. Again, it’s hard to get into the frame of mind of what was happening at the time. And I don’t know if we’ll ever have the answer to that question, whether he was going to vote for help”.
Asked if it would be fair to conclude that Gene had died of a heart attack, Dr Jarrell said: “It is a little bit difficult to say. I saw no microscopic evidence of a recent heart attack. However, those changes can also take some time to develop, several hours to develop, so that I can see it under the microscope. He could have had an abnormal heart rhythm. We already know that he was in atrial fibrillation on the 18th. And that that could have evolved into a more terminal heart rhythm”.
Asked if he suffered heart failure, Dr Jarrell replied: “Often times we see fluid around the lungs in heart failure and congestion of the liver. I did not see that in his case. But he had very poor, or very extensive heart disease. So he would have been predisposed to abnormal heart rhythms and hence he had a pacemaker as well”.
Oscar-winning film star Hackman, 95, and his wife, 65, were found dead, along with one of their dogs, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday 26th February, and police initially said there were no apparent signs of foul play.
The alarm had been raised by a maintenance person doing pest control at the property, who was concerned because he had not seen the couple, police said.
Hackman’s body was found in a mud room, and his wife was found next to a space heater in a bathroom, detectives said in the warrant. Hackman’s daughters Elizabeth and Leslie, and his granddaughter Annie, said they will miss the actor “sorely” and are “devastated by the loss”.
A statement to the PA news agency said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss”.
