Gene Hackman’s Two Surviving Dogs Are Safe in Santa Fe Care
Local animal control has taken in the two dogs discovered alive at the residence of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, as noted in a press statement issued by the Santa Fe County sheriff’s office.
The remains of Hackman and Arakawa were discovered on Wednesday, February 26, alongside one of their three German Shepherds. Hackman was 95 and Arakawa was 64 years old, with an investigation into their deaths currently underway.
The two surviving dogs found on the property both “appeared healthy.”
According to the release, “The Santa Fe County Animal Control Division collaborated with family members to ensure the welfare of the two dogs.”
As of now, authorities have not identified the cause of death for Hackman, Arakawa, or the deceased dog, although carbon monoxide and toxicology tests have been initiated for both individuals. Further testing on the dog will depend on the results of Hackman and Arakawa’s autopsies, which could take four to six weeks, as reported by TMZ.
A maintenance worker discovered the bodies upon arriving at the home and was unable to reach anyone inside. The worker proceeded to notify neighborhood security for a welfare check. The security personnel noticed the couple unresponsive through a window and alerted the police.
“Foul play is not presently considered a factor in their deaths; however, the exact cause of death remains undetermined,” the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office stated in a communication to Us Weekly on Thursday, February 27. “This is a continuing investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.”
A search warrant acquired by TMZ on Thursday labeled the situation as “suspicious.” Police noted that Hackman and Arakawa seemed to have passed away some time ago. Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom exhibiting signs of decomposition, with bloating in her face and mummification on her hands and feet. The deceased German Shepherd was located 10 to 15 feet away from her.
Hackman was discovered in a separate room, fully dressed, with sunglasses beside him, suggesting that he and his wife may have succumbed suddenly.
As the investigation progresses, their family is seeking clarity on the situation.
“I am eager to understand what occurred and am uncertain about how long they had been deceased,” Hackman’s daughter Leslie shared with Us Weekly exclusively on Thursday. “[The authorities] do not have answers yet either.”
Leslie, 58, also stated that there were no signs of “any issues within their home,” including the possibility of a carbon monoxide leak.
“There has never been a problem,” she remarked.
