Bodycam Video Reveals Emotional Exchange Between Police Officer and Gene Hackman’s Daughter Following His Passing

Newly released bodycam footage offers a rare glimpse into the emotional aftermath of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa’s passing, capturing a private conversation between a sheriff’s deputy and the late actor’s daughter, Elizabeth Hackman.

The video, released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, features a phone call where Elizabeth gives heartfelt instructions. She asks officers to cremate her father’s beloved dog at the local animal shelter and bury it alongside Betsy. She also requests they keep the dog’s collar, if possible, for her to have.

Gene Hackman (R) and his children during presidential premiere of “Superman” in Washington, D.C., on – December 10, 1978 | Source: Getty Images

The touching exchange reveals the family’s deep desire to honor the couple’s bond with their pet, who was found deceased near Betsy’s body.

Zinna, the kelpie mix discovered crated in a bathroom closet, was one of three dogs owned by the couple. A veterinary report later confirmed she had likely died from dehydration and starvation. Though decomposition made a full examination difficult, there were no signs of trauma, disease, or poisoning. Her stomach was nearly empty.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa photographed in Los Angeles, California, in 1986. | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, two other dogs on the property were found alive.

Authorities were first alerted by a caretaker who made a disturbing 911 call upon finding the couple unresponsive in their Santa Fe home. Audibly distressed, the caller struggled to explain the scene, simply urging, “Just send somebody out here really quick.”

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 19, 2003, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

When officers arrived, they confirmed the devastating news. Though early autopsy results showed no signs of trauma, the cause of death for both Gene and Betsy remained officially undetermined, pending toxicology. Investigators proceeded with caution, noting the circumstances were unusual enough to warrant a full investigation.

Scattered prescription pills were found near Betsy, who was lying next to a space heater in the bathroom. Gene was located in another room, where authorities believe he may have collapsed suddenly. The house had no signs of forced entry or theft, though its front door was ajar.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the Mission Hills Celebrity Sports Invitational on November 30, 1991, in California. | Source: Getty Images

Elizabeth Hackman later told reporters the family feared toxic fumes might have played a role, but no evidence of a gas or carbon monoxide leak was found.

In a joint statement, Gene Hackman’s daughters and granddaughter honored his life, writing, “He was loved and admired around the world for his acting, but to us, he was Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him deeply.”

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the DW Griffith Awards at the Equitable Center on February 24, 1992, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Tributes from the entertainment industry soon followed. Director Francis Ford Coppola described Hackman as “inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity,” while actress Valerie Perrine called him “a genius” and “one of the greatest to grace the screen.” The BAFTAs remembered him for his celebrated roles in Unforgiven, The French Connection, and The Poseidon Adventure.

Hackman’s death at age 95 was especially heartbreaking given the family had prepared for Betsy, 31 years his junior, to handle his funeral arrangements. His nephew, Tim Hackman, explained the family was still grappling with the shock. “Now with this, everything has changed. We didn’t expect both of them to go,” he said.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman at the 66th Annual Academy Awards on March 21, 1994, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Tim also revealed that news of the couple’s passing was first shared within the family by Gene’s other daughter, Leslie. According to him, there had been no indication of major health issues leading up to their deaths.

Although Gene Hackman led a quiet life in New Mexico and hadn’t traveled to California in years, he maintained contact with family mostly through Betsy. Tim described her as Gene’s primary caregiver and credited her with keeping him going in his later years.

The great Gene Hackman has passed away.💔He was a genius & 1 of the greatest to grace the silver screen. I had the honor of working with Him on Superman. His performances are legendary. His talent will be missed.
Goodbye my sweet Lex
Till we meet again.
❤️ Valerie#genehackman pic.twitter.com/893mLH3vLl

— valerie perrine (@TheValPerrine) February 27, 2025

“She always said, ‘He’s doing good,’ and for 95, he really was,” Tim recalled.

The final autopsy and toxicology results are expected within weeks. In the meantime, investigators continue to carefully assess all available evidence to determine what happened.

Gene Hackman at ESPN The Magazine’s NEXT Issue Party during Super Bowl XXXIX on February 4, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

As fans mourn the loss of a Hollywood icon and his devoted partner, the footage and ongoing investigation reveal the very human, emotional side of their final chapter.