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The world has been struck by the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa. The couple were found dead in their homes late last month, prompting an investigation after it was discovered that one of their three dogs died while in their kennel. The surviving dogs played a key role in helping find the body of Hackman.
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyUSA Today reports that paramedics entered the couple's home through the front door, quickly running into Arakawa and the couple's dead dog, named Zinna. They spent 30 minutes looking for the body of Hackman with no success.
Fire Chief Brian Moya revealed that the dogs kept barking at them and running away, which many thought was the dog's way of encouraging them to play.
“They realized (the dog) was trying to say, ‘Hey, come over here! Come over here!’” said Moya. The paramedics followed the dogs into the mudroom, where they found Hackman's body on the floor.
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyMore details of Arakawa and Hackman
One of the reasons why the police were called to Hackman's place was due to Arakawa not picking up medicine for their dogs. “She was an excellent dog owner, excellent caretaker to those dogs. She really doted on them," said Robert Gruda, the owner of the pet hospital where Arakawa regularly took their dogs for health checkups.
After the bodies were found, family members suspected a gas leak of some sort, but, as the investigation progressed, it was discovered that Arakawa died of a rare disease called Hantavirus while Hackman died a week later after his pacemaker stopped functioning.
© Getty ImagesHe had Alzheimer's disease and it was likely that he didn't know or understand Arakawa's death.
The couple's surviving dogs were transferred to a pet shelter where they'll likely be put up for adoption.
“We are mourning the passing of our most famous adopter Gene Hackman. He was an amazing actor and dog lover," said Animal Rescue Inc. in a statement, where Hackman had adopted one of their dogs.
© ullstein bild via Getty Images
