First responders discovered Gene Hackman’s body in his home with the help of one of his dogs. Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, was found deceased a week earlier. Their surviving dogs led responders to his body, which had signs of decomposition.First responders discovered Gene Hackman’s body in his home with the help of one of his dogs. Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, was found deceased a week earlier. Their surviving dogs led responders to his body, which had signs of decomposition.