Actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa tragically passed away, leaving their cherished pet dogs in a distressing situation.
A wellness check carried out by local security on February 26, 2025, discovered Betsy, a renowned pianist, lifeless next to a space heater in the bathroom. Gene, a two-time Oscar winner, was found deceased in a nearby room. Betsy’s cause of death was confirmed to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare illness transmitted by rats. Gene, who had advanced Alzheimer’s disease, passed away about a week later due to heart disease.
In the midst of Gene’s severe cognitive decline, it is suspected that he may not have been aware that his wife of 34 years had died in the bathroom while he spent his final days alone. During a search of their Santa Fe estate, one of their three dogs, 12-year-old Zinna, was also found deceased, likely from dehydration or starvation. Fortunately, the other two dogs, German Shepherd Bear and Akita-Shepherd mix Nikita, survived the ordeal.
Bear and Nikita were located wandering the vast 12-acre property, trying to fend for themselves. Heartbreaking footage captured Bear anxiously looking at Betsy in a video lasting 11 minutes. First responders took some time to find Gene at the scene, with one of the loyal dogs guiding them to his location.
After being cared for by Santa Fe Tails doggy day care, Bear and Nikita were eventually rehomed to new families in April 2025. The placements were approved by the couple’s estate attorney, ensuring the dogs were placed in safe and caring environments.
Gene and Betsy lived a secluded life in their later years, rarely interacting with their neighbors. The condition of their house, now on sale for $6.25 million, was described as chaotic and neglected. The couple had no children together, but Gene had children from a previous relationship.
The surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita, have found new homes and are beginning to adjust to their new lives apart. Santa Fe Tails owner confirmed the successful rehoming of the dogs and expressed gratitude for the support received during the transition.
