Legendary Actor Gene Hackman, His Wife and Their Dog Found Dead at Home. What’s the Reason?

The discovery of the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home has prompted a somber wave of news and investigations. Here’s a breakdown of the information available:

The Discovery:

• Authorities found Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their residence in late February 2025.
• The situation drew attention due to the condition of the scene, and the death of one of their dogs.
• The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
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Causes of Death:

• Medical examiners determined that Gene Hackman’s death resulted from heart failure, complicated by advanced Alzheimer’s disease and hypertension. It was reported that his health had been declining.
• Betsy Arakawa’s cause of death was identified as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and severe respiratory disease transmitted by rodents.
• Tragically, one of the couples dogs, a kelpie mix named Zinna, was found deceased at the residence. Reports indicate that Zinna died from dehydration and starvation.
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Additional Details:

• The investigation revealed that the condition of Gene Hackman’s body suggested he may have passed away sometime after his wife, and that due to his Alzheimers condition, may not of been fully aware of her passing.
• The condition of the deceased dog, Zinna, indicated a very sad situation, and animal control reports showed evidence of prolonged lack of food and water.
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• The couple had other dogs, and those surviving animals were taken into care.
• There has been legal action taken by the Hackman estate to limit the release of photos and bodycam footage, citing the families right to privacy.
• Information from people that had worked with the couple, showed that they were very private people, and that they had a deep love for their dogs.

Gene Hackman’s Legacy:

• Gene Hackman was a highly respected and acclaimed actor, known for his versatile and powerful performances in numerous films.
• His notable roles include those in “The French Connection,” “Unforgiven,” “The Conversation,” and “Superman.”
• He received critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout his career, including two Academy Awards.
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The circumstances surrounding the deaths have brought sadness, and also have highlighted the importance of checking on the well being of elderly individuals.