What Happened to Gene Hackman’s Two Surviving Dogs After the Actor and His Wife Were Found Dead?

Mar. 15, 2025

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman.Photo:Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s two surviving dogs are in caring hands.

A Feb. 27 news release from the Santa Fe County Sheriffconfirmed that the celebrity couple’s two surviving dogs were safe.

“The Santa Fe County Animal Control Division worked with family to ensure the safety of the two dogs,” the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s statement read.

PEOPLE can confirm the two canines are now living with a family friend of the deceased couple.

The deceased dog was found a few feet away from Arakawa.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman.Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty

Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty

In the days following the sad news of Hackman and Arakawa’s death, friends have shared their memories of the couple, including the pair’s dedication to their pets.

Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, friends of the famous couple, told PEOPLE thatThe Conversationactor and his wife were"very responsible" pet owners.

“They always had German shepherd rescues, and they were really good to their dogs and very responsible dog owners," Daniel and Barbara’s son, Aaron Lenihan, 38, told PEOPLE.

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The causes of death for Arakawa, Hackman and their deceased dog have not yet been determined. Hackman was likely dead fornine days, according to data from his pacemaker, before he and his wife were found.

Hackman and Arakawa got married in 1991 and primarily lived in Santa Fe after Hackman retired from acting in 2004.

source: people.com