Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s estates provide update on couple’s surviving dogs following their deaths
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's estates have issued an official statement regarding the well-being of the couple’s surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita.
The update comes weeks after the Hollywood icon and his wife were tragically found deceased in their Santa Fe home.
Shocking discovery of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's bodies in Santa Fe
On February 26, emergency responders entered the Hackman residence, where they found Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, both deceased.
Authorities revealed that Arakawa had succumbed to hantavirus, a severe and often fatal illness linked to rodent droppings, approximately one week before Hackman's death.
The legendary actor’s cause of death was later attributed to complications from severe heart disease, high blood pressure, and advanced Alzheimer’s disease.
Tragically, alongside the couple, first responders also discovered the body of one of their three dogs, Zinna, a kelpie mix, who had been confined to her crate.
The dog had recently undergone major surgery and was on crate rest.
Reports indicated that Zinna had likely died from dehydration and starvation in the aftermath of Betsy’s death.
Bear and Nikita’s role in locating Gene Hackman’s body
The two surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita, played a crucial role in assisting first responders as they searched for Gene’s body inside the residence.
According to Fire Chief Brian Moya, emergency personnel initially discovered Betsy’s body in a bathroom near the entrance of the home.
However, after an extensive 30-minute search, they were unable to locate Gene.
It was at this moment that first responders noticed unusual behavior from Bear and Nikita.
The dogs repeatedly ran up to the firefighters, barking insistently and then running toward a specific area of the house.
Realizing the urgency of their behavior, the emergency crew followed one of the dogs to a mudroom at the rear of the home, where they discovered Gene’s body lying on the floor.
Chief Moya later praised the dogs' instincts, noting that they had been instrumental in leading first responders to Hackman’s location.
Public concern over Bear and Nikita’s future
In the days following the devastating news of the Hackmans’ deaths, many concerned individuals reached out to inquire about the fate of Bear and Nikita.
On March 14, a personal representative for the Hackman estates released a statement addressing concerns.
“In response to numerous concerned inquiries about the Hackman’s dogs, both Bear and Nikita have been placed in appropriate homes. Both are safe, healthy, and adjusting to their new environments,” read the statement.
According to reports, the two dogs were initially taken to a local pet daycare facility, where they were cared for by a family friend while arrangements for their permanent placement were made, according to People.
Betsy Arakawa, a devoted pet owner and advocate for animals
People who knew Betsy Arakawa personally have emphasized her love and commitment to her pets.
Robert Gruda, the owner of Gruda Veterinary Hospital in Santa Fe, shared insights into Arakawa’s dedication to her animals, noting that she was a highly responsible and loving pet owner.
Gruda and his staff became alarmed when Betsy failed to pick up Zinna’s specialized dog food and medication on February 11, marking the last time she was seen alive.
“She was consistent, predictable,” Gruda said, adding, “We knew something was wrong when she didn’t pick up the food on time. She was an excellent dog owner, an excellent caretaker to those dogs. She really doted on them.”
Zinna’s death was ruled out as being caused by any infectious disease, trauma, or poisoning.
An autopsy later confirmed that the dog’s stomach was completely empty, except for small amounts of hair and bile, indicating that starvation had been the ultimate cause of death.
