The tragic deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have left a heartbroken family grappling with grief and unanswered questions.
Just a day after Hackman, his wife, and one of their dogs were discovered deceased in their Santa Fe home, Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth, was heard in a chilling video speaking with local authorities about what should be done with her father’s beloved pets.
Handling the Surviving Dogs
In a video obtained by DailyMail.com, Elizabeth Hackman spoke with a deputy from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office regarding the two surviving dogs that were left in the house.
The deputy explained that Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails, was willing to take in the dogs temporarily.
Padilla had worked with the Hackman family for years, training the dogs.
When asked if Elizabeth agreed to this arrangement, she confirmed with a quiet, “Oh, yeah. OK.”
Deciding the Fate of Zinna
The conversation also turned to the remains of Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix, who was found in a kennel inside the home.
Elizabeth was asked how she wanted the dog’s remains to be handled, to which she responded, “Should it be cremated?” Zinna’s tragic death was later attributed to dehydration and starvation, as revealed by a necropsy report.
Elizabeth expressed a desire to have Zinna cremated and buried with her mother, Betsy.
The Tragic Circumstances Surrounding Their Deaths
The bodies of Hackman and his wife were discovered on February 26 by caretakers, sparking a series of investigations.
New Mexico medical examiners believe Betsy Arakawa passed away on February 11 due to a rodent-borne illness, hantavirus.
Hackman, who was suffering from severe Alzheimer’s disease, is believed to have died a week later.
The discovery has left their surviving family members grappling with an overwhelming mix of emotions.
A Close Relationship with the Dogs
Joey Padilla, who had been a longtime friend of Arakawa and familiar with the dogs, spoke to investigators about the couple’s dedication to their pets.
He shared that Betsy was primarily responsible for the care of the dogs, as Hackman was often unable to manage their boisterous behavior.
Despite their struggles, Padilla recalled the couple’s deep love for their pets, saying, “They were dog nuts. There are toys all over the property.”
Unanswered Questions About Legal Arrangements
As of now, it is unclear whether Gene Hackman left behind any legal instructions for his burial or cremation.
The actor, whose fortune is estimated at $80 million, reportedly left his wealth to his wife, Betsy.
However, since she passed first, complications may arise regarding the distribution of assets, including whether Hackman’s children from a previous marriage—Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie Anne—are named in his estate plans.
The Future of Their Remains
Despite the tragic circumstances, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s remains have yet to be claimed by their children.
According to the New Mexico Office of the Medical Examiner, their bodies are still in state custody, awaiting further arrangements.
Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the medical examiner, emphasized that the office works closely with families to return loved ones’ remains as quickly as possible.
Legal Hurdles and Family Tension
The delay in handling the remains may stem from legal complications and family disagreements.
Laura Cowan, an estate planning attorney, explained that if no legally binding burial or cremation instructions are in place, the family must navigate a complicated hierarchy based on state laws and family dynamics.
Leslie, Hackman’s 58-year-old daughter, mentioned that the family was still coming to terms with the sudden loss, stating that there had been no signs of health issues prior to her father’s passing.
The Medical Examiner’s Findings
Hackman’s death, attributed to severe heart disease and exacerbated by Alzheimer’s, is believed to have occurred around February 18.
Investigators suggest that due to his cognitive condition, Hackman likely did not know that his wife had passed away, which may have prevented him from caring for their dogs during her absence.
The tragic sequence of events has left Hackman’s family to navigate complex emotional and legal landscapes while dealing with the aftermath of an unexpected loss.