Fire chief reveals Gene Hackman’s dogs helped emergency responders with heartbreaking act before discovery
ArchiveFirst published March 14, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
Authorities have revealed new details about the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, whose bodies were discovered at their Santa Fe home on February 26. The couple, along with one of their three dogs, had been deceased for several days before being found. A maintenance worker first noticed Arakawa’s body and called emergency services.
When paramedics arrived, Hackman’s remaining two dogs persistently barked and led responders to his body in the mudroom. Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya explained, “They realized (the dog) was trying to say, ‘Hey, come over here! Come over here!’” Authorities found Hackman’s body on the floor beside his cane and sunglasses.
Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed their causes of death. Hackman, 95, died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor. Arakawa, 65, succumbed to Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Investigators determined Hackman likely passed around February 18, a week after Arakawa. Due to his advanced Alzheimer’s, Dr. Jarrell noted, “It’s quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased.”
