Dogs Found Alive in Gene Hackman’s Home are Safe Following Actor and Wife’s Death, Sheriff Confirms

Dogs Rescued from Gene Hackman’s Home After Tragic Incident Confirmed Safe by Sheriff

In a heartwarming turn of events following a tragic incident, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the two dogs found alive at Gene Hackman’s residence in Santa Fe, N.M., are now safe and in good health. The discovery was made after the bodies of Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, along with a third dog, were found on Wednesday, February 26. Hackman, a legendary actor, was 95 years old at the time of his passing, while Arakawa was 65.

According to a news release from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, authorities found the two remaining dogs alive and described them as being in a “healthy” condition during their search of the property. The statement mentioned that the Santa Fe County Animal Control Division collaborated with the family to ensure the safety and well-being of the two dogs amidst the tragic circumstances.

The search warrant affidavit, filed on the day the bodies were discovered, revealed that Hackman was found deceased in a mudroom, while Arakawa was found in a bathroom with a fallen space heater and pills scattered around her. Furthermore, the affidavit mentioned the discovery of a deceased dog in a closet of the bathroom, positioned 10-15 feet away from the deceased female. Additionally, deputies on the scene noted the presence of two healthy dogs on the property—one running loose and another near Arakawa.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza expressed his concern during a press conference, stating that the situation of finding two individuals deceased in a residence was indeed troubling, especially with the discovery of a deceased dog in a kennel on the property. The pills found near Arakawa were later identified as an unspecified thyroid medication, Tylenol, and high blood pressure medication, diltiazem. Sheriff Mendoza also revealed that Hackman’s pacemaker had stopped working on February 17, indicating a possible timeline of events leading up to the tragedy.

In a critical update, authorities ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death for both Hackman and Arakawa, after conducting tests that came back negative for the toxic gas. Despite this development, the circumstances surrounding the couple’s demise are still under investigation, underscoring the need for further examination to determine the exact sequence of events that transpired.

As the community grapples with the heartbreaking loss of two beloved individuals, the attention and care given to ensure the safety of the surviving dogs reflect a testament to the compassion and dedication of the authorities involved. Moving forward, the investigation will continue as officials seek to shed light on the events leading to the untimely passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.

As the news of this tragedy resonates within and beyond the entertainment industry, the welfare of the rescued dogs serves as a beacon of hope amid the somber atmosphere surrounding the unexpected loss of the acclaimed actor and his wife. The coming days will likely bring more insights into this devastating incident, but for now, the focus remains on providing support to those affected and honouring the memory of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.