Gene Hackman’s friend claims detail could explain what happened to actor and wife on day of death (
Image: AFP via Getty Images)

A friend of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has opened up on the pair’s deaths and revealed their thoughts on what could have happened to the duo and one of their dogs

A friend of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has claimed to know what happened to the pair the day they died.

The Hollywood star and his wife of more than 30 years were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. One of their dogs was also found deceased, while two others survived. An investigation continues. Forensic detail suggests the couple may have been dead for some time before being discovered.

Now, animal chiropractor Dr Sherry Gaber has claimed a certain bit of information could be key to the investigation. Gaber regularly treated the many dogs Hackman and his wife rescued, with their professional relationship said to have turned into a friendship.

She believes the claims the couple’s other two dogs Bear and Nikita were found near to the death scene, distressed but alive, while Zinna had been shut in a dog travel crate and reportedly died of dehydration and starvation is important.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa ( 
Image:
Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Police are investigating the pair’s deaths ( 
Image:
WireImage)

She told Mail Online of her theory into the death. Speaking to the publication, she said she is sure neither Hackman of his wife would have deliberately taken any actions that might have harmed their pets. “They always wanted to do the right things for their animals because they loved them so deeply,” Gaber said. “So whatever happened was an accident.”

She admitted she thought it was a “Romeo and Juliet” type death at first until she heard about the dog’s passing. She continued: “The only thing I can think of is that they were taking things out of their car, going in and out of the house and then Gene’s pacemaker stopped. He fell over and then I think Zinna, who was very close to Gene, got agitated.

“Zinna had a very strong bond with Gene – some dogs respond more to male energy than female energy, so who knows how badly upset Zinna was, pawing him, licking his face and wanting him to get up.” It’s then that Gaber says his wife may have placed the animal in a crate.

The 12-year-old kelpie mix was said to be accustomed to being in her crate for travel, according to Gaber. And she questioned whether Betsy had her own incident after crating the dog. “Betsy’s dogs were her life, and she’d never have left Zinna,” she claimed.

Autopsies performed on Hackman and his wife showed no sign of external trauma. Initial theories that there may have been a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning were also ruled out. Bodycam footage from from the ten deputies who arrived at the scene where Gene and his wife were found dead is set to be released.

Authorities aim to piece together a “fully rounded picture” and confirm they have not overlooked any vital information or detail that could be essential to solving the case. Additionally, officers are working to gain access to two mobile phones discovered at the scene. With an urgency to uncover more clues, law enforcement considers bringing in forensic specialists to unlock the phones found at the location. Unlocking these devices is said to be crucial for constructing the timeline surrounding the deaths of the couple.