Mystery Surrounds the Deaths of Actor Gene Hackman and His Wife as Their Surviving Dogs Adjust
The bodies of legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs were discovered in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26.
Two of the couple’s dogs survived and are now under the care of their longtime friend, Joey Padilla, who owns Santa Fe Tails, a pet boarding facility the couple frequently used. Padilla assured ABC News that the dogs, Bear (a German shepherd) and Nikki (a German shepherd mix), are “safe and adjusting.” He plans to keep them until it’s clear what Arakawa’s wishes were for their future.
“Gene and Betsy were incredible friends and passionate dog lovers,” Padilla said. “Those dogs were Betsy’s babies.”
The third dog, an Australian kelpie mix named Zinfandel, or “Zinna,” was found deceased inside a crate about 10 to 15 feet from Arakawa’s body, according to authorities. Sheriff Adan Mendoza noted that the two surviving dogs appeared to have access to a doggy door, with one found near Arakawa and the other outside.
Remembering the Couple
Padilla, who had known Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, for over a decade, recalled their friendship and frequent outings before the COVID-19 pandemic. Afterward, he saw them less often, as Arakawa was protective of Hackman’s health.
The last time Padilla saw Arakawa was in January when she dropped off Bear at his facility. “She was just the same as always—friendly, warm. We chatted briefly, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary,” he said.
“I’m deeply saddened. They were truly wonderful people,” he added.
Unanswered Questions About Their Deaths
Authorities discovered Hackman’s body in the mudroom and Arakawa’s in a bathroom, where she was lying on her side near a space heater. Both showed clear signs of having been deceased for some time. According to the search warrant, Hackman is believed to have passed away on February 17—nine days before his body was found—based on data from his pacemaker.
The cause and manner of their deaths remain undetermined. Initial toxicology tests ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, and an investigation by the New Mexico Gas Company found no significant gas leaks in the home. A small leak was detected at a stove burner, but authorities confirmed it was a non-lethal amount. Other minor code violations unrelated to gas or carbon monoxide were noted.
Authorities described the circumstances as “suspicious enough to warrant a full investigation,” according to the search warrant affidavit.
Near Arakawa’s body, investigators found an open prescription bottle with pills scattered on the counter. Her body exhibited signs of decomposition, with mummification observed on her hands and feet.
While the investigation continues, friends and loved ones mourn the loss of a couple remembered for their kindness, love of animals, and deep bond.