Gene Hackman's pal reveals how actor and his wife's two dogs survived as questions linger over dead pet

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SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: As the mystery surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, deepens, a close friend has revealed how two of the couple’s dogs managed to survive, while their third pet, Zinna, tragically died.

The Oscar-winning actor and his wife were found dead alongside Zinna at their $3.8 million Santa Fe, New Mexico, home last week. The cause of their deaths remains unclear, with toxicology reports still pending.

Authorities later revealed that Hackman's pacemaker was last active on February 17, so he likely lay deceased for up to nine days before being discovered on February 26.

Gene Hackman's friend discloses how the couple's two dogs survived

A close friend of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s dogs recently shed light on how the two surviving dogs avoided the same fate as the couple's Australian kelpie mix.

Zinfandel aka Zinna was found in a kennel in a bathroom closet, roughly 10 to 15 feet away from Arakawa's partially mummified remains.

Joey Padilla, the owner of Santa Fe Tails pet care, where Hackman and Arakawa frequently boarded their dogs, explained that the presence of a doggy door likely allowed Bear and Nikita to come and go freely, granting them access to food and water outside, which helped sustain them during this difficult time, as per the Daily Mail. 

One of the surviving dogs was discovered near Arakawa's body, while the other was found outside the couple's home. Padilla recalled Zinna’s close relationship with Arakawa, describing her as "a returned shelter dog to this incredible companion under Betsy’s hand."

The exact cause of Zinna’s death remains a mystery, especially considering that she was found in the closet while the other dogs survived.

Authorities found pills scattered near Arakawa's body, but it is unclear whether the dog ingested them or if another factor led to her death. "I will be holding on to them until I get word on what Betsy's wishes for these dogs are," Padilla added.

Padilla further said that the dogs were, "Betsy’s babies."

What did the Sheriff's Office report about Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's deaths?

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office reported that there were no signs of foul play or external trauma on the bodies of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.

Initially, their deaths raised enough suspicion to warrant a full investigation, but authorities now believe no one else was involved. It remains unclear who died first—Hackman or Arakawa.

Arakawa’s body was found near an open prescription bottle with pills scattered on the bathroom countertop, while Hackman's remains were located in the home's mudroom. His glasses and cane were found on the floor beside him, suggesting he may have fallen before his death.

Both bodies have tested negative for carbon monoxide, and no gas leaks were detected in or around the home.

Pathologists have also stated that the couple's deaths are unlikely to have been a "companion suicide" and have suggested that the incident appears to be "accidental."

Despite the discovery of the front door being left “ajar,” there were no signs of forced entry, and authorities have ruled out foul play.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza reported, "I think I'm pretty confident that there is no foul play just based on the lack of evidence. But, of course, we're not ruling that out," as per the outlet.

The mysterious nature of the deaths has drawn significant attention, sparking intrigue reminiscent of the detective thrillers Hackman once starred in. Many are left wondering how their deaths went unnoticed for so long.

Neighbors in the couple’s gated community, located five miles outside Santa Fe, said that despite living near the celebrity couple for years, most of them had never even seen them in person.