The shocking discovery of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in their Santa Fe mansion has launched an intense investigation, filled with unexpected twists and unanswered questions.
Authorities in Santa Fe County have been meticulously working to determine the circumstances of the couple’s passing, yet the case took an unusual turn early on when investigators misidentified one of the couple’s dogs.
So let me get this straight… Gene Hackman, his wife, and their dog all died of natural causes at the exact same time? Ok… 🤣
— Joe Rambo (@BrainStorm_Joe) February 27, 2025
And this happened at the same time Pam Bondi announces that Epstein files are being released? Ok… 🤣
I'm asking myself…
Has suicide weekend… pic.twitter.com/MvKk52Heea
Investigation Complicated by Dog Misidentification
Initial law enforcement reports mistakenly identified a deceased brown German shepherd at the scene, which led many to believe it was the couple’s beloved pet, Bear. However, this turned out to be incorrect.
Authorities later confirmed that Bear was alive and well, staying at a local pet daycare facility alongside Nikita, the couple’s 7-year-old Akita-shepherd mix, according to USA Today.
The actual dog found deceased in the home was later identified as Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix. Zinna had been trained in agility and was once considered a hopeful competitor for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Tragically, her body was discovered inside a closed crate within the couple’s expansive estate.
Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Womack-Avila addressed the unusual complexities of the case, acknowledging the challenges faced by investigators.
“Our deputies do not deal with canines on a daily basis and I cannot currently speak to the condition or state of the dog’s body upon discovery,” she stated.
Fuck the list, I need to know what happened to Gene Hackman’s dog.
— Fiat Food (@FiatFood) February 27, 2025
Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding Hackman’s Death
One of the most perplexing elements of the case is the timeline of events leading to the couple’s deaths.
According to The New York Post, the last recorded activity on Hackman’s pacemaker was February 17, potentially pinpointing the date of his passing. The theory of carbon monoxide poisoning was initially considered but was ultimately ruled out after comprehensive testing.
What deepens the mystery is the state in which Hackman and Arakawa were found. Both were mummified, suggesting they passed away at least a week before their bodies were discovered on February 26.
How someone speaks about the recently deceased—especially those they disagreed with—can say a lot about them.
— Giancarlo Sopo (@GiancarloSopo) February 27, 2025
Gene Hackman was pure class. Here he is on President Reagan:
"I'm a Democrat, but I also loved the idea of that man… A beautiful American."pic.twitter.com/Y14O8oEmUQ
A Legendary Actor’s Mysterious Final Days
Hackman, 95, was a towering figure in Hollywood, known for his unforgettable performances in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven”. Though he had been retired from acting for many years, he remained a respected icon in the entertainment industry.
His sudden and enigmatic passing has left fans, colleagues, and investigators alike searching for answers.
Gene Hackman was great in The Conversation, but if you really want to see his brilliance, watch I Never Sang for My Father—a small, now largely forgotten film about a strained father-son relationship that’s far more compelling than it has any business being. pic.twitter.com/B5Ov51LBeb
— Giancarlo Sopo (@GiancarloSopo) February 27, 2025
Authorities continue to painstakingly examine every detail of the case, from the condition of the residence to potential medical factors that could explain what led to the couple’s untimely deaths.
The investigation remains ongoing, with officials determined to piece together the final moments of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s lives.
