Gene Hackman’s 2 surviving dogs safe with Santa Fe animal control authorities after his tragic death
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Investigators have revealed new details about the condition of Gene Hackman’s surviving dogs after the Hollywood icon and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their Santa Fe mansion.
Concern has been growing over the health of the canines since the couple had been found dead at their home.
Gene Hackman's German Shepherd was found dead near Betsy Arakawa's body
According to TMZ, one of the dogs, a German Shepherd, was found dead in a bathroom closet, only about 10 feet from Betsy Arakawa's body, which was surrounded by prescription pills.
Meanwhile, the two surviving dogs were found in different locations, one near Arakawa and the other roaming outside the property.
The Santa Fe County Animal Control has stepped in to ensure the safety of the surviving dogs, reportedly coordinating with Hackman’s family.
Authorities are yet to conduct an autopsy of the deceased dog, but testing may be performed soon.
Mystery surrounds deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa
The deaths of Hackman and his wife Arakawa have raised many questions. While autopsies will be conducted, toxicology results could take up to six weeks.
Adding to the uncertainty, Hackman’s daughter Leslie has spoken out about her father’s health, insisting that there were no warning signs before his death.
“There was no indication that there was any problem,” Leslie told Daily Mail.
“Despite his age, he was in very good physical condition. He liked to do Pilates and yoga several times a week. So he was in good health,” Leslie said of the 95-year-old actor.
Gene Hackman’s daughter Leslie reflects on her father's life and marriage
Betsy Arakawa pose for a portrait in 1986 in Los Angeles, California (Getty Images)
Leslie, 58, one of Hackman’s three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese, acknowledged that while his death was not entirely shocking given his advanced age, she was not expecting it so soon.
“We were close. I hadn’t talked to them for a couple of months, but everything was normal and everything was good,” she shared.
Leslie also praised Arakawa for her devotion to Hackman, crediting her with extending his life through constant care and attention.
“They had a wonderful marriage. And I give credit to his wife, Betsy, for keeping him alive. She took very, very good care of him and was always looking out for his health,” she said.
“So I am appreciative to her for that, and I'm very saddened by her passing,” she added.
Gene Hackman's family awaits more information from investigators
With authorities are still treating the couple’s deaths as unusual, Leslie confirmed that she will travel to New Mexico once more details become available.
“We need to wait and find out whatever information from the police. We weren’t expecting to have to go out there and go through the house and all that,” Leslie said.
“So we have some work cut out for us. But yeah, we’ll be going out to New Mexico,” she shared.
