The world was stunned when the two-time Oscar-winning star Gene Hackman, 95, was found dead last month along with his 65 year-old wife Betsy Arakawa. Sadly, one of their three dogs was found dead with them. All three had been dead for quite some time when their bodies were discovered.
However, there were two other beloved pets in the home who managed to survive on their own – and their fate is just about the only silver lining in this whole awful tragedy.
Hackman’s Surviving Dogs Learn Their Fate
Animal lovers everywhere will be relieved to learn that Hackman’s surviving two dogs have found new homes.
“It is with great joy that, with the consent of the Estate Attorney, I and my staff at Santa Fe Tails have successfully found homes for the Hackman’s surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita,” Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails, told Fox News.
“We went through stringent efforts to ensure the best homes were found, and the dogs have already begun settling into their new lives,” he continued. “We are all thankful for the concern and well-wishes Bear and Nikita have received during their transition. It is our hope that everyone continues to wish them the best and honor their privacy so they can continue to heal.”
Related: Gene Hackman, 95, Was ‘Murdered,’ Hollywood Legend Randy Quaid Alleges
Bear And Nikita Helped Police
Bear and Nikita helped police find the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa when officers arrived at their Santa Fe mansion on February 26. Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya said that officers quickly located Arakawa’s “mummified” body in a bathroom. Sadly, the body of their dog Zinna was found in a crate near Arakawa’s remains.
Police searched for Hackman for nearly 30 minutes, but could find no sign of him. During their search, Bear and Nikita kept running up to officers, who thought they wanted to play at first. Eventually, they realized that they were actually trying to help.
“They realized [the dog] was trying to say, ‘Hey, come over here! Come over here!’” Moya told USA Today.
Bear and Nikita then led the officers to Hackman.
Arakawa And Hackman’s Deaths
It has since been revealed that Arakawa died of Hantavirus, a rare flu-like virus transmitted through rodent droppings. She likely passed away on February 12, which was when she made her last phone call. Until this phone call came to light, officials had believed that Arakawa died on February 11, which is when she was last seen on surveillance footage driving back into her gated community.
“Pending cell phone records, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office investigation showed the last known activity of Mrs. Hackman to be February 11, 2025,” police said in a statement. “We can now confirm that Mrs. Hackman’s phone was utilized on the morning of February 12 to call a medical center in Santa Fe, Cloudberry Health.”
Full Story: Gene Hackman’s Wife’s Final Phone Call Revealed
Hackman was then in the mansion with her body for many days. He was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s, meaning that he likely wasn’t fully aware of the situation. Hackman eventually succumbed to heart disease sometime around February 18.
Zinna, who was trapped in her crate after Arakawa died, sadly passed away due to dehydration and starvation.
While what happened to Zinna is devastating, we’re so glad to see that Bear and Nikita have found new homes. Here’s hoping that these two incredible dogs can heal from this tragedy!
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