SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Fire Chief Brian Moya revealed that Gene Hackman’s two surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita, helped lead first responders to the late actor’s body after the tragic deaths of both Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
Authorities confirmed that Arakawa died from hantavirus days before Hackman died from heart disease and complications from Alzheimer’s.
Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa’s tragic deaths
Hackman and his wife, Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, marking a devastating end for the reclusive couple.
Authorities now reveal that the 95-year-old actor likely spent several days alone with his wife’s body before he, too, died.
Arakawa, a 65-year-old classical pianist, was the first to die, succumbing to hantavirus, a rare but dangerous disease linked to rodent droppings.
It remains unclear exactly how Arakawa was exposed to the virus.
She was found collapsed in a bathroom near a space heater and scattered pills, according to a search warrant affidavit reviewed by People.
Hackman died days later from severe heart disease, high blood pressure, and complications from Alzheimer’s.
According to New Mexico’s chief medical examiner Heather Jarrell, the last recorded activity on Hackman’s pacemaker was on February 17.
He had no food in his stomach at the time of death, indicating he may not have eaten in his final hours.
Dogs alerted first responders to Gene Hackman’s body
For nearly 30 minutes, emergency responders searched the couple’s home but initially only found Arakawa’s body.
However, it was the couple’s two surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita, who ultimately led them to Hackman.
Fire Chief Brian Moya told USA Today that the dogs persistently ran up to first responders, barking and then dashing off in another direction.
Their behavior caught the paramedics’ attention.
“They realized (the dog) was trying to say, ‘Hey, come over here! Come over here!’” Moya explained.
Following one of the dogs, first responders were led to a mudroom at the back of the house, where they discovered Hackman’s body.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s third dog was found deceased in a crate
While Bear and Nikita survived, the couple’s third dog, Zinna, a kelpie mix, was found dead inside her crate.
Zinna had undergone major surgery in January and was still recovering under strict crate rest at the time of Arakawa’s death.
Veterinarian Robert Gruda, who owned the Gruda Veterinary Hospital, recalled how Betsy’s sudden disappearance raised concerns among staff.
“She was devoted to those dogs. She was consistent, predictable. We knew something was wrong when she didn’t pick up the food on time,” Gruda told USA Today.
Betsy was last seen alive on February 11, which was also the day she was expected to pick up specialized food and medication for Zinna.
When she failed to do so, veterinary staff grew increasingly worried.
Gruda spoke highly of Arakawa’s love for her pets, calling her an “excellent caretaker” who doted on her animals.
The fate of Gene Hackman’s surviving dogs
In the wake of the couple’s tragic deaths, Bear and Nikita have been taken to a local pet daycare facility.
Animal Rescue, Inc, a shelter where Hackman had previously adopted at least one of his dogs, paid tribute to the late actor on February 27.
“We are mourning the passing of our most famous adopter, Gene Hackman. He was an amazing actor and dog lover,” the shelter wrote in a heartfelt statement.
We are mourning the passing of our most famous adopter Gene Hackman. He was an amazing actor and dog lover.
Posted by Animal Rescue, Inc. on Thursday, February 27, 2025
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, had lived a private life in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for over two decades following his retirement from Hollywood.
