Gene Hackman's Dogs Found His Body After Wife's Death

Gene Hackman’s dogs were waiting for help.

Initially, search teams were scouring the residence of the “French Connection” actor on February 26, where they tragically found both him and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Remarkably, their remaining pets, Bear and Nikita, lent a helping paw by assisting in locating their deceased owners.

Upon arriving at Betsy and her partner’s residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, authorities found Betsy deceased on the bathroom floor and their third dog Zinna lifeless inside a locked crate in the closet. The search for Gene, however, led Santa Fe Police Chief Brian Moya to reveal that one of the surviving dogs had startled paramedics.

In simpler terms, Moya told USA Today that it was clear the dog was trying to call them over, saying something like “Over here! Over here!” This is how they discovered where Gene had passed away. Furthermore, Moya noted that Gene’s hands appeared blackened and displayed signs of decay.

Initially, the police suspected a gas leak might have caused the couple’s deaths because of the strange circumstances, but eventually, no abnormal gas levels were found in the house, according to the authorities.

Following their postmortem examinations, it was determined that Betsy succumbed to hantavirus, a seldom-occurring but frequently fatal respiratory disease on February 11. In contrast, Gene was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and passed away a week later on February 18 due to cardiac issues worsened by his illness; an abnormal heart rhythm detected by his pacemaker supported this cause of death. Unfortunately, Zinna, the dog, had been left confined in its crate while recovering from major surgery and did not survive.

During a press conference, officials announced the reasons behind the couple’s demise, and a sheriff suggested that it’s probable that Gene may have been unaware that his wife had passed away at their home a week prior to him, given the advancement of his neurodegenerative disorder.

In a conversation with the New York Times on March 8, Gene’s friend Tim Allin highlighted the tremendous care Betsy provided for her husband. He pointed out that had it not been for her tireless efforts, The Royal Tenenbaums actor would have passed away much earlier.

As he put it, “She just really looked after him.”

Keep reading for more information on Betsy and Gene’s tragic deaths…

In their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence on February 26, actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, who had been married for 33 years, were discovered deceased by two maintenance workers who noticed them through a window from outside the house. According to reports, these workers alerted the community’s caretaker, who then contacted emergency services by dialing 911.

The caller informed 911, as heard on a recording, that “They are not going anywhere.” They requested immediate assistance by saying, “Could you please dispatch someone here quickly.

Upon their arrival at the scene, Santa Fe County sheriff’s deputies discovered Arakawa, aged 65, lying on the floor of a bathroom situated to the left of the front door. She was dressed in a sweatshirt and sweatpants, as mentioned in an affidavit for a search warrant dated February 27, obtained by TopMob News. An open prescription pill bottle along with loose pills were found scattered on the countertop.

95-year-old Hackman was found lying down in an area resembling a mudroom next to the kitchen, according to the deputies’ account. Close by his body were a walking stick and a pair of sunglasses.

In an utterly heartbreaking turn of events, it was revealed that my beloved pet, who I had always assumed was Bear, our German shepherd, was actually Zinna, our Australian Kelpie mix. This tragic discovery was made in a bathroom closet, as stated in the warrant. Near Arakawa’s body, another dog appeared healthy, just like the one I saw running around outside – both seemed to be thriving, yet my heart ached for the loss of Zinna.

On February 26, a search warrant was carried out at a house near 9:30 p.m., and the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were taken away the morning after.

Although the sheriff’s office declared on February 27 that there were no indications of criminal activity, the investigators found the circumstances leading to the deaths of the two deceased persons to be questionable enough to necessitate a comprehensive search and examination, as mentioned in the warrant.

According to the warrant, there was no clear indication of injuries from physical force, carbon monoxide exposure, or any evidence of unlawful entry into the house. Instead, deputies pointed out that the front door was slightly open.

Additionally, there were indications suggesting that Hackman and Arakawa had been deceased for some time. One officer mentioned that her body exhibited partial decomposition, with mummification occurring around her hands and feet, as stated in the warrant. Similarly, Hackman’s body displayed similar signs of being dead. Furthermore, both bodies seemed to have fallen to the ground abruptly.

The initial witness reporting the bodies informed investigators that his last conversation with the couple occurred around two weeks prior, according to the warrant, and typically interacted with Arakawa via phone conversations and text messages.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County explained to the Santa Fe New Mexican that at this point, we’re dealing with a preliminary inquiry concerning a potential death. He wants to reassure the community and the neighborhood that currently, there’s no imminent threat to anyone’s safety.

During the search, as stated in the warrant summary, some of the items taken included two mobile devices, medications for blood pressure and thyroid, Tylenol, personal medical records, and a 2025 calendar or planner.

At a news conference held on February 28, Sheriff Mendoza stated that the last registered activity from Hackman’s pacemaker was on February 17. He considered this to be a strong indication that it might have been Hackman’s final day alive.

Mendoza explained that they were examining details like call logs, text messages, calendar entries, and pictures from mobile devices to construct a sequence of events.

But it wasn’t going to be easy.

The sheriff clarified on TODAY that it’s difficult since the individuals and their family were extremely private. They are currently gathering all relevant data.

With deep regret, we share the news of the passing of our dear father, Gene Hackman, along with his wife Betsy. This heartbreaking announcement comes from his daughters Leslie, Elizabeth, and granddaughter Annie. To us, he was simply Dad and Grandpa. Although he was adored by millions worldwide for his exceptional acting career, we will miss him dearly and are overcome with sorrow.

Leslie Anne Allen, one of the three children actor Faye Maltese shared with, mentioned to Fox News Digital that it had been several years since she last saw her father because she resides in California and he doesn’t travel much anymore. However, they have managed to keep in touch over the past couple of months.

1. “She expressed deep affection for him,” she stated, noting that he was truly kind-hearted. Also, Leslie confirmed that he maintained his wellbeing by frequently doing yoga and pilates.

2. “She openly admitted her deep affection for him,” she explained, adding that he had a genuinely good soul. Furthermore, Leslie verified that he kept himself healthy through regular yoga and pilates sessions.

3. “She made it clear how much she cared for him,” she disclosed, emphasizing his kind-hearted nature. To add, Leslie ascertained that he was in good health due to his dedication to practicing yoga and pilates regularly.

4. “She spoke highly of him,” she conveyed, acknowledging the goodness within him. Additionally, it was confirmed by Leslie that he prioritized his wellbeing through yoga and pilates exercises on a regular basis.

5. “She expressed her deep affection for him,” she acknowledged, recognizing his genuinely good-hearted personality. Furthermore, Leslie verified that he took care of himself by practicing yoga and pilates consistently.

Over time, family members mentioned that they were making an effort to ignore speculations regarding potential events, preferring instead to await definitive explanations.

According to Tim Hackman, nephew of the actor, we’re currently awaiting the results of a toxicology report. This information will provide clarity on the situation. It’s challenging to make assumptions at this point as there are numerous theories circulating, and he prefers not to engage in speculation, especially negative ones.

He mentioned, “At 95, my uncle seemed to be at that stage where one contemplates, ‘It’s probably time.’ However, recent events have shifted the situation significantly. It’s quite a substantial transformation.

Since the late 1980s, Hackman, who last appeared in a movie in 2004 with “Welcome to Mooseport,” had been residing in Santa Fe alongside Arakawa. As an artist himself, he was deeply involved in the local art community and served on the board of the Georgia O’Keefe Museum from 1997 until 2004.

Stuart Ashman, a longtime friend and gallery owner, shared with the Los Angeles Times that he was an ordinary man despite having fascinating tales about Hollywood and celebrities. In essence, he lived modestly.

Jennifer LaBar-Tapia, the film commissioner in Santa Fe, expressed to journalists that both Hackman and Arakawa had become an integral part of the city’s tapestry.

However, occurrences of Hackman have grown less frequent, particularly post the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniel Lenihan shared with People that the actor, who was a regular in their neighborhood walking his dogs, riding his bike, and supporting local businesses, has been largely confined at home lately. His son Aaron Lenihan mentioned that Arakawa is attempting to maintain Hackman’s activity, engagement, and wellbeing, but Daniel revealed that Hackman appears to be deteriorating.

According to Daniel’s spouse, Barbara Lenihan, the renowned classical pianist Arakawa was in “top-notch condition” and was “extremely active.

In March 2024, Page Six released the latest photograph showing a pair, who appeared to be struggling with health issues (Hackman and Arakawa), out in public.

On February 28th, Sheriff Mendoza informed reporters that the tests for carbon monoxide poisoning on Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies were negative. However, he added that comprehensive autopsy and toxicology results might not be available for up to three months or more.

On March 4th, the New Mexico Gas Company reported that although a small leak was detected in a stove burner, the amount of carbon monoxide released wasn’t sufficient to be potentially lethal. Moreover, their investigation didn’t uncover any additional leaks or problems with the gas line.

The investigators found multiple other building regulations had been broken in the house, yet no issues concerning gas or carbon monoxide were discovered.

As a lifestyle advisor, I’d like to emphasize the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment, especially when it comes to rodents. Regrettably, a tragic incident occurred where an individual contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – a rare respiratory illness linked to contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. This was confirmed by Dr. Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s Chief Medical Examiner, during a news conference on March 7th. Let this serve as a reminder to regularly inspect and sanitize your living spaces, ensuring the wellbeing of both you and your surroundings.

As an ardent fan, I must share the heart-wrenching news: Hackman, in his final days, displayed clear signs of advanced Alzheimer’s disease. His health was precarious, with a heavy burden of heart disease. In my belief, it was this chronic condition that ultimately claimed his life.

Arakawa may have experienced flu-like symptoms before she died, the medical examiner said.

Erin Phipps, a veterinarian working for New Mexico’s state public health department, stated that the couple resided in a dwelling with minimal risk for external exposure. However, evidence of rodents was found in various other buildings on the property.

Over a period of nearly three decades, from 1993 to 2022, a total of 122 instances and 52 fatalities related to hantavirus were documented in New Mexico, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The coroner suggests that Arakawa, who was last seen on February 11, appeared to have passed away approximately a week prior to Hackman’s death, which appears to have occurred around February 18 based on his last pacemaker activity (a day later than initially reported by authorities).

Their bodies weren’t discovered for another eight days, so 15 days after Arakawa died.

According to the information available, Hackman remained in the house with his wife’s remains until he eventually succumbed as well.

Jarrell mentioned that it seemed likely he hadn’t known about her passing. As for Hackman, there was no food in his system at the time of his death, yet she pointed out that he wasn’t suffering from dehydration either.

According to state vet Phipps, it appears that their pet dog Zinna tragically perished due to lack of food and water, as she was confined in the bathroom for an extended period.

According to Sheriff Mendoza’s statement on March 7, there’s no evidence found so far suggesting that there was someone looking after the house.

For several years, Arakawa had essentially taken care of her husband’s daily activities, organizing his golf outings and social visits with friends, as stated by pal Tom Allin. According to him, Allin has known Hackman for two decades, but it was always Arakawa who he would speak to on the phone when calling Hackman.

According to Allin, she always took great care to keep him safe, and he likely wouldn’t be alive today without her careful watch.

According to his friend Ashman, it seemed only right for those who knew him to have reached out to check on him. Ashman himself was unaware of his situation… It’s truly heartbreaking. And it’s even more tragic that she passed away a week prior to him. Oh my goodness.

On what seems like her final day alive, Arakawa reportedly sent an email to her masseuse early in the morning. Later, she visited a grocery store in the afternoon and made a stop at a pharmacy before heading to a pet shop. Authorities claim that she arrived home around 5:15 p.m., and she didn’t respond to any emails after February 11th.

According to Sheriff Mendoza, it’s plausible that she often wore a mask when going out to run her daily tasks, as this is something her friends claim she routinely did out of concern for not inadvertently bringing any diseases back to her spouse at home.

2025-03-13 17:48

Gene Hackman’s Dogs Found His Body After Wife’s Death

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