The two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa passed away in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their bodies were discovered on February 26. It was later revealed that Betsy had died on February 11, and Gene passed away on February 18, according to data from his pacemaker. The couple had three dogs living with them: a German Shepherd named Bear, a mix of Akita and Shepherd named Nikita, and a mix of Australian Shepherd and Kelpie named Zinna.
Twelve-year-old Zinna had undergone a veterinary check-up just days before Arakawa’s death. Her body was found in a crate in the bathroom, next to her owner’s body. The other two dogs survived and were able to run outside through an open back door. They were the ones who greeted rescuers when they arrived at the couple’s house.
The wife’s body was found first. While specialists were examining it, half an hour passed, and Gene had still not been found in the large 830-square-meter home. During this time, Bear and Nikita desperately barked, trying to get the rescuers’ attention, running toward them and then running away. The rescuers thought the dogs were just playing. But it soon became clear that the dogs were actually trying to lead the paramedics to Hackman’s body as a final sign of loyalty to their owner, even after his death.
The pets led the rescuers to the hallway at the far end of the house, where Hackman’s body was found. They then lay next to him, and it took some effort to get them to move away. “Our people understood that the dogs were trying to say, ‘Hey, come here! Come here!’ One of the dogs led the team to the right spot and sat next to Gene’s body. Nikita was nervous because of all the commotion and refused to leave her owners,” said Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya.
Both dogs are currently at a local shelter, where veterinarians confirmed they are in good health. Bear and Nikita will remain at the shelter until the couple’s will is read. After that, the animals will be handed over to the heirs, or, if no one is named in the will, they will be rehomed.
The local medical examiner’s office confirmed that Betsy died from a rare hantavirus carried by rodents. No such virus was found in Hackman. The cause of his death was hypertension and atherosclerotic heart disease. Additionally, the actor, known for his role in Enemy of the State, had Alzheimer’s disease. He likely didn’t realize that his wife had passed and was unaware of what was happening around him. Gene was unable to care for himself and had been starving—his stomach was empty. Before his death, he gathered his strength and tried to leave the house. He was dressed, and next to his body, there were sunglasses and a cane.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that investigators are awaiting data from the couple’s mobile phones, though it is very unlikely they will reveal any additional information. Gene and Betsy led a very private life in their secluded home, rarely communicating with anyone. Gene had two daughters and a son from a previous marriage.
