Gene Hackman's final days were marked by isolation and tragedy, as new details emerge about the discovery of his body and the role his loyal dogs played in leading first responders to him.
Authorities in Santa Fe, New Mexico, confirmed that the Oscar-winning actor, 95, was likely alone for nearly a week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, 65, died of hantavirus, a rare and often fatal rodent-borne illness. Hackman, who suffered from severe heart disease, high blood pressure, and advanced Alzheimer's, was found deceased on February 26, after first responders were led to his body by the couple's two surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita.
Fire Chief Brian Moya of the Santa Fe Fire Department told USA Today that emergency responders initially entered the couple's residence through the front door, where they discovered Betsy's body in a bathroom near a space heater and scattered pills. The crew spent 30 minutes searching the home for any other occupants but found nothing-until the dogs began barking and running back and forth.
"They realized (the dog) was trying to say, 'Hey, come over here! Come over here!'" Moya said. The first responders followed the dogs into a mudroom at the back of the house, where Hackman's body was found on the floor. One of the dogs reportedly sat beside him, unwilling to leave his side.
The back door to the house had been left open, allowing Bear and Nikita to move in and out freely. However, a third dog, Zinna, an Australian Kelpie mix, was found dead in her crate. Veterinary records indicate Zinna had undergone a major medical procedure in January and was on crate rest at the time of her owners' deaths.
Hackman and his wife had been extremely private in their later years, living in a gated community in Santa Fe. According to USA Today, concerns arose when Betsy failed to pick up specialized food and medication for Zinna on February 11, the last day she was seen alive. "She was devoted to those dogs," said Robert Gruda, owner of Gruda Veterinary Hospital. "She was consistent, predictable. We knew something was wrong when she didn't pick up the food on time."
Dr. Heather Jarrell, New Mexico's chief medical investigator, confirmed that the last activity on Hackman's pacemaker was recorded on February 17. "It is reasonable to conclude that Ms. Hackman passed first," she stated. Hackman showed no signs of dehydration, though no food was found in his stomach at the time of his death.
The medical examiner ruled that Hackman died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiac disease, with his Alzheimer's playing a "significant" role in his condition. He tested negative for hantavirus, despite investigators finding evidence of rodent activity in outlying structures on the property.
The couple's two surviving dogs have been placed in a boarding facility while authorities review their wills for rehoming arrangements. Animal Rescue, Inc., a shelter from which Hackman adopted at least one of his pets, honored the late actor with a tribute post: "We are mourning the passing of our most famous adopter Gene Hackman. He was an amazing actor and dog lover."
Hackman's death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. A two-time Academy Award winner, he starred in The French Connection and Unforgiven, before retiring from acting in 2004. He is survived by three children from a previous marriage. Authorities continue to review phone records from the couple's devices, though Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that it is "very unlikely" they will reveal any new findings.
