Gene Hackman police share update on star's beloved surviving dogs found at scene

The two surviving dogs of Gene Hackman have been rescued following the tragic discovery of the 95 year old Oscar winner and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, in their Santa Fe home.

The couple was found earlier this week alongside one deceased dog, but the remaining two pets are now in safe hands. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office shared on Facebook: "The Santa Fe County Animal Control Division worked with family to ensure the safety of the two dogs."

Meanwhile, the police have revealed they are set to question Gene's three children about his final movements before his and wife Betsy's death. The star is survived by the three children he had with his ex-wife, Faye Maltese: Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 63, and Leslie, 58.

Police are trying to ascertain Gene and Betsy's final movements in the lead up to the triple tragedy after the pair were found dead in separate rooms in their Santa Fe home. One of the dogs owned by the couple was also found dead in a closet in the same room as Betsy.

Details emerged about how the grim find came to light after a maintenance worker grew worried. The official statement read: "On Wednesday February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail where Gene Hackman, 95 and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65 and a dog were found deceased. An individual arrived to perform maintenance on the residence, became concerned after receiving no answer, and contacted neighborhood security to conduct a welfare check. Security then checked on the residence and observed Hackman and Arakawa on the ground unresponsive through a window and called 911.

"Deputies arrived and gained access to the residence where they observed Mrs. Arakawa deceased. They continued their search of the home and located Mr. Hackman in another area, also deceased. A dog was also found deceased and two other dogs who appeared healthy were located on the property. Deputies then secured the scene and notified the criminal investigations division."

The bodies underwent autopsies and the sheriff explained the investigation remains ongoing. The statement added: "In the early hours of Thursday, February 27, 2025, Hackman and Arakawa were transported to the Office of the Medical Investigator. An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual. Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests were requested for both individuals. The manner and cause of death has not been determined. The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. This remains an open investigation."