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last mo.

Gene Hackman’s Dogs Helped First Responders Locate His Body at New Mexico Home

The late actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in February, with their surviving dogs guiding rescuers to Hackman’s location.

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Married American couple, actor Gene Hackman and Classical musician Betsy Arakawa, attend the DW Griffith Awards at the Equitable Center, New York, New York, February 24, 1992. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Gene Hackman, who was widely respected as one of the greatest actors of his generation, was a five-time Oscar nominee.

Overview

  • Gene Hackman, 95, died from heart disease with advanced Alzheimer's as a contributing factor, while his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, passed earlier from hantavirus.
  • First responders were led to Hackman’s body by one of the couple’s two surviving dogs, Bear or Nikita, after initially struggling to locate him during their search.
  • Arakawa’s body was discovered in a bathroom, while Hackman was later found in a mudroom; their third dog, Zinna, was found deceased in her crate following surgery recovery.
  • Medical examiners determined Hackman likely died on February 18, days after Arakawa’s February 11 death, suggesting he may not have been aware of her passing due to his Alzheimer's.
  • The couple’s surviving dogs have been placed in local care, and tributes have highlighted Hackman’s legacy as both a celebrated actor and devoted dog owner.