The unexpected deaths of iconic actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, alongside an identity mistake involving their dogs, have perplexed investigators in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
According to GB News, a caretaker discovered the couple's bodies under non-suspicious but mysterious conditions at their luxurious home.
Last Wednesday, around 1:45 pm, the bodies of Hackman, aged 95, and Arakawa, aged 63, were found in separate rooms of their $3.8 million estate. Hackman was located near his cane in a mudroom, while Arakawa was found near a space heater in an open bathroom with an open prescription bottle and scattered pills nearby.
Both bodies showed signs of partial mummification, hinting at the time elapsed since death. Aside from their tragic demise, the initial misidentification of their deceased dog added an unexpected layer to the ongoing probe.
Tragic End for a Hollywood Legend and His Wife
Originally, the couple's German Shepherd named Bear was reported deceased. However, this was corrected to their 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix, Zinna, which was the dog found dead. Zinna was located in a kennel inside a bathroom closet, close to where Arakawa lay.
The other two household pets, Bear and Nikita, a seven-year-old Akita-Shepherd mix, were confirmed alive and are currently cared for at Santa Fe Tails, a local pet daycare where their well-being is closely monitored.
No necropsy was conducted on Zinna, leaving questions about the dog’s cause of death unanswered. This misidentification led to initial confusion about the circumstances surrounding the incidents, as described by Denise Womack-Avila, a spokesperson for the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.
Misidentification Adds Complexity to Investigation
"Our deputies do not deal with canines on a daily basis," Womack-Avila explained, indicating the challenge the mix-up initially posed for the deputies handling the situation. Joey Padilla, the owner of Santa Fe Tails, remembered Zinna as "always attached to Betsy at the hip," highlighting the strong bond between the pet and its owner.
Further adding to the complexity, investigations revealed no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning or significant gas leaks in the home, which could have explained the sudden deaths.
A minor leak found on a stove burner was not deemed significant.
According to authorities, tests on Hackman's pacemaker indicated his last event occurred on February 17, suggesting a significant gap between the actor's last recorded activity and the discovery of the bodies. The investigators are now waiting for toxicology results to shed more light on the causes of death.
Unraveling Last Moments and Ongoing Probes
The retrieval of several items from the home for further investigation is underway as authorities attempt to establish the couple's last known contacts and movements. This follows discovery indications that there were no visible signs of a struggle or foul play at the scene.
Padilla expressed admiration for the relationship Zinna had with Arakawa, stating, "Zinna went from being a returned shelter dog to this incredible companion under Betsy's hand," emphasizing the depth of their bond.
The community and fans worldwide are now awaiting the results of the ongoing investigation, hoping for some answers to the many questions surrounding the mysterious and sad end of one of Hollywood's notable couples. The law enforcement's review of toxicology and investigative reports will be crucial in piecing together this complex puzzle.
