There’s been an update on the tragic deaths involving screen legend Gene Hackman, his wife and pet dog. Police have now shared that their pet died from a different cause to its owners.
On Friday, March 7, officials in Santa Fe provided fresh insights into their ongoing investigation regarding the devastating loss of the acclaimed actor, his spouse Betsy Arakawa, and their beloved canine. The chief police officer disclosed that February 11 marked the day Betsy was last spotted alive on surveillance footage. The couple were found deceased on February 27.
While the reason for the dog’s demise within the household remains unconfirmed by authorities, starvation is suspected as the likely cause. Found lifeless in a cage intended for veterinary appointments, the dog perished a mere few feet from where Betsy lay.
Dr. Erin Phipps of the New Mexico Department of Health commented on the matter, saying: “I don’t think we know the answer to that. However, given the timelines presented, it is a possibility.”
In addition, officials have ruled out the possibility of the dog falling ill to hantavirus, the disease responsible for Betsy’s death, according to Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell. Betsy succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a serious respiratory condition spread through contact with infected rodents.
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Santa Fe Sheriff Adam Mendoza revealed that before her untimely passing, surveillance captured Betsy’s final moments as she visited a local CVS pharmacy and a shop selling dog food, only to return home. Moreover, the last activity recorded on her email dates back to the same fateful day.
The medical examiner disclosed that Gene likely passed away on February 18, marking the final day his pacemaker registered a heartbeat. Dr. Heather Jarrell stated: “Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Ms. Arakawa passed away first.”
It was suggested by the medical examiner that the actor might have been “not aware” of his wife’s death, which occurred several days prior. He “showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease,” according to Dr. Jarrell.
Although there were no signs of dehydration in Gene, Dr. Jarrell noted an absence of food in his stomach, indicating he hadn’t eaten recently.
Contradicting these findings, a spokesperson for the Hackman family had previously informed CNN that the allegations of Alzheimer’s “are wholly untrue.”