Longtime friends of the Oscar-winning actor and classical pianist last saw them "alive and well" not long before their mysterious deaths.

A close friend of Gene Hackman and his wife made a telling comment following their shocking death this week. Hackman, the Hollywood star known for his roles in "Hoosiers," "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven,

Betsy Arakawa "was still trying to keep [Gene Hackman] as active and engaged and healthy as possible” before his death, family friend Aaron Lenihan exclusively told PEOPLE