Overview

In a devastating turn of events, Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered deceased in their home on February 26. Alongside them was their beloved dog, Zinna, who was unfortunately locked in a kennel. New revelations about this heartbreaking scenario not only shed light on the couple's last days but also highlight the incredible role their dogs played in the moments leading up to the discovery of their bodies.

Rescue Efforts

First responders received an alarming call from maintenance workers who noticed Arakawa lying motionless inside the house. Upon arrival, paramedics entered the home through an unlocked door, only to quickly locate Betsy's body near the bathroom. However, it took nearly 30 minutes for them to find Hackman, which they attributed largely to the diligent efforts of the couple's other dogs, Bear and Nikita.

As first responders searched the expansive four-bedroom Santa Fe home, both dogs repeatedly drew attention to themselves. Fire Chief Brian Moya remarked that one dog was persistently bounding between the rescuers and a specific room, barking insistently. Initially assumed to be a playful gesture, it soon became evident that the dog was trying to guide the responders to Hackman. Moya explained, “The dog was trying to say, ‘Hey, come over here!’”

The Search for Hackman

Ultimately, the diligent efforts of Bear led responders to a mudroom where Hackman was found lying on the floor with his cane and sunglasses nearby. Disturbingly, it was revealed that Hackman likely survived alone for about a week following his wife's passing, raising questions about whether he even understood the gravity of the situation. It is suspected that he had advanced Alzheimer's disease, with authorities ruling cardiovascular disease as the primary cause of death.

Cause of Deaths

Betsy Arakawa's cause of death was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and often fatal disease linked to exposure to rodent droppings or urine. Surveillance footage uncovered that Betsy was last seen alive on February 11, shortly after visiting a CVS Pharmacy. Friends and family noted that she had been experiencing flu-like symptoms, which can often complicate the diagnosis of hantavirus.

Final Days and Community Response

The investigation revealed that she had secured a remote to access the gated community where they lived just hours before her last known interactions. Tragically, she had missed a crucial appointment to pick up medicine and specialized dog food for Zinna, who had undergone major surgery just a month prior and was crated for recovery.

Robert Gruda, the owner of Gruda Veterinary Hospital, expressed his concern over Arakawa’s absence during the usual pickups, saying, "She was devoted to those dogs...we knew something was wrong when she didn’t pick up the food on time." The sentiment echoed across the community, where organizations like Animal Rescue, Inc. mourned the loss of both Hackman and Arakawa, celebrating their dedication as dog owners.

Conclusion

This profound incident serves as a poignant reminder of the bond between humans and their pets, alongside the tragic reality of human vulnerability and the unforeseen circumstances of life. As tributes pour in for the iconic actor and his wife, attention has shifted to the heroes of the situation, their loyal dogs, who continue to symbolize love and devotion even in the darkest times.