Daughter of Gene Hackman Requests Cremation for Late Wife’s Dog
The daughter of acclaimed actor Gene Hackman has requested that the couple’s dog, Zinna, be cremated and its ashes interred with his recently deceased wife, Betsy Arakawa.
Video footage released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office on Friday reveals a phone conversation between Gene Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Hackman, and a sheriff’s deputy, as reported by TMZ.
Request for Cremation and Ashes Burial
Elizabeth Hackman, 62, in the recorded exchange, formally requested that Zinna, their 12-year-old dog, undergo cremation at the county animal shelter. She further requested that the dog’s cremated remains be buried alongside Betsy Arakawa. Additionally, she asked law enforcement to retain the dog’s collar.
Other Dogs Rehomed
The deputy informed Ms. Hackman that the two surviving dogs were discovered alive and were in the process of being rehomed with members of the family.
Couple Found Deceased at Home
The Oscar-winning actor, aged 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered deceased in separate areas of their residence on February 26th. Zinna, who had been confined to a crate following a veterinary consultation, also perished.
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In the audio, a groundskeeper at the couple’s New Mexico property expressed profound sadness upon being informed by deputies of their passing, realizing he would not see them again.
Gene Hackman’s daughter requested that his dog, Zinna, be cremated and its remains buried with his late wife, Betsy Arakawa following the couple’s death; they are seen in 2003
The Oscar-winning actor, 95, and Betsy, 65, were found deceased in separate rooms of their home on February 26. Zinna (left) who had been crated following a veterinarian visit, also died
Causes of Death Revealed
Reports indicate that Arakawa’s death, occurring around February 11th, was attributed to hantavirus, a rare illness transmitted by rodents. Hackman’s death, likely around February 18th, is believed to be due to heart disease. He also exhibited ‘evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease.’
Zinna’s death is suspected to have resulted from dehydration and starvation, according to a preliminary examination of the deceased animal.
Veterinary Report Findings on Zinna
The Associated Press obtained a report from the state Department of Agriculture’s veterinary laboratory, which noted partial mummification of the dog. The report stated that while advanced decomposition might have obscured organ changes, there was no indication of infectious disease, trauma, or poisoning as the cause of Zinna’s death.
The veterinary report also detailed that Zinna’s stomach was largely empty, containing only minimal amounts of hair and bile.
Dog Crated After Vet Visit
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza previously stated that Arakawa had retrieved Zinna in a crate from a Santa Fe veterinarian on February 9th. This information could explain why the dog was discovered confined within the crate.
It is believed Arakawa passed away just two days following this veterinary visit.
Zinna’s Loyalty and Companionhip
Zinna, a former shelter dog, was described as a devoted companion who stayed consistently close to Arakawa, according to Joey Padilla, proprietor of Santa Fe Tails, a pet care facility that had been caring for the surviving dogs.
The couple’s two other dogs, a German Shepherd named Bear and an Akita-shepherd mix named Nikita, survived the ordeal.
His daughter Elizabeth requested the 12-year-old dog be cremated at the county animal shelter and its ashes buried with Betsy, also asking police to save the dog’s collar, in a newly released footage by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, as per TMZ; the late couple pictured with their two former dogs, Maisie and Roscoe
The deputy informed Gene’s daughter that the two remaining dogs, German Shepherd Bear and Akita-shepherd mix Nikita, were found alive and were being rehomed with family; the pair seen in 1991
Arakawa died around February 11 from hantavirus, a rare virus spread by mice, while Hackman likely died on February 18 from heart disease. He also showed ‘evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease’; the pair seen in 1989
Surviving Dogs Separated and Rehomed
Regrettably, Bear and Nikita have been separated from each other after their shared experience.
Padilla informed DailyMail.com that he was not authorized to disclose their new locations but affirmed they were placed in separate residences.
Padilla later released a statement confirming that the couple’s estate lawyer had approved the decision.
“We undertook rigorous efforts to guarantee the most suitable homes were identified, and the dogs have already commenced adjusting to their new lives,” Padilla stated.
“We are all appreciative of the concern and well wishes Bear and Nikita have received during their transition,” he added.
Couple’s Devotion to Their Pets
Padilla, 42, had developed a close relationship with the renowned actor and his wife, Betsy. He noted that they demonstrated exceptional care for their three dogs, utilizing his training and daycare services, as well as those of a veterinary chiropractor who provided regular adjustments.
“Gene and Betsy held immense affection for their dogs,” Padilla told DailyMail.com. “There was nothing they wouldn’t do for those dogs.”
The couple also provided financial support to Santa Fe Tails and invested in The Alley, a bowling center Padilla operates in the area.
Zinna likely died from dehydration and starvation, according to a reported examination done on the deceased canine. Their two other dogs were found by first responders roaming freely on the Santa Fe mansion’s grounds (pictured)
“I owe them everything I have,” he expressed.
Hackman’s Family
Besides Elizabeth, Hackman is survived by his son Christopher Allen, 65, and daughter Leslie Anne, 58, from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese.
Discovery of Bodies and Dog’s Role
The two surviving dogs were discovered by first responders roaming freely on the couple’s extensive Santa Fe property.
Police, paramedics, and the Fire Department responded to the residence on February 26th after a caretaker made the grim discovery of Arakawa’s body.
Initially, they were unable to locate Hackman and continued searching for over 30 minutes.
During the search, one of the dogs repeatedly approached them, barking and moving in various directions.
First responders initially believed the dog wanted to play but soon realized this was not the case.
“They realized (the dog) was attempting to guide them, indicating, “Hey, come over here! Come over here!”,’ Chief Brian Moya explained to USA Today.
Upon following the dog, it led them to Hackman’s body in the mudroom, where the dog then remained by his side.
Joey Padilla, the owner of Santa Fe Tails, took care of Bear and Nikita until they were rehomed into separate homes
Authorities noted that one of their dogs, Nikita, exhibited apprehension due to the commotion and remained close to both owners’ bodies.
Timeline of Events Leading to Deaths
Officials provided a detailed timeline, stating that Arakawa had picked up their dog Zinna from a veterinary hospital after treatment on February 9th.
On February 11th, she corresponded via email with her massage therapist before visiting a farmers market later that day.
Surveillance footage from CVS captured her shortly after the market visit, and subsequently, she went to a local pet food store.
Her vehicle was observed entering the gated community at 5:15 pm on February 11th.
Officials noted numerous unanswered emails from February 11th, with no further communication from her account after that date.
Hackman was found lying on the floor of a mudroom just off the kitchen, with his sunglasses and cane nearby, suggesting a possible fall, according to officials.
Hackman and Arakawa’s Relationship
Hackman had three children with his first wife, Faye Maltese. He and Arakawa, a classical pianist, had been married for three decades.
Aside from Elizabeth, Hackman was also father to son Christopher Allen, 65, and daughter Leslie Anne, 58, from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese; seen with Betsy, Leslie, and Elizabeth
Hackman with his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven. The gruff-but-beloved Hackman was among the finest actors of his generation
Gene Hackman’s Legacy
The revered actor, Gene Hackman, was recognized as one of the most accomplished performers of his generation. He portrayed diverse characters, including villains, heroes, and antiheroes, in numerous dramas, comedies, and action films spanning from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.
He garnered five Oscar nominations, winning for The French Connection in 1972 and Unforgiven two decades later.
Hackman encountered Arakawa, a classically trained pianist from Hawaii, while she was employed part-time at a California fitness center in the mid-1980s.
They soon established a home together and relocated to Santa Fe by the end of the decade.
Known for his private nature, Hackman was often described as reclusive, having remained out of the public spotlight for years following his departure from the movie industry. He officially retired from acting in 2004.