Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead; Bodycam Footage Released

Discovery of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa

• 🚨 Bodycam footage has been released showing police arriving at the Santa Fe home of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
• 💔 Authorities believe Betsy Arakawa, 65, died first from hantavirus, a rare respiratory illness spread by rodents.
• 😔 Gene Hackman, 95, who had advanced Alzheimer's, lived for another week before dying of chronic heart disease.

Loyal Companions and Devoted Pets

• 🐕 Police discovered one of the couple's German shepherds standing watch over Betsy Arakawa's body.
• 🐶 The dogs' distraught barking was heard as officers approached the home.
• 💔 Sadly, one of their three dogs, named Zena, was also found dead inside the house.

Family's Poignant Requests

• 🕊️ Gene Hackman's daughter, Elizabeth, requested that Zena the dog be cremated and buried with Betsy.
• 💍 She also asked to save the dog's collar if it was wearing one.

Privacy and Footage Limitations

• 🔒 While officers' body cameras were active inside the home, the family obtained a court order to prevent the release of that footage for privacy reasons.