During her mother Betsy Hackman’s burial, Gene Hackman’s daughter emotionally requested that the family dog be buried alongside her, sparking widespread debate after bodycam footage of the moment went viral online.

A private family farewell took an unexpected turn when a bodycam video surfaced showing Gene Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Hackman, making a deeply emotional and unconventional request during her mother’s burial service.

The moment, captured by a police officer’s bodycam, has since gone viral—not because of the celebrity connection, but because of what she asked: that her late mother’s beloved dog be buried with her.

The incident occurred during the burial of Betsy Arakawa Hackman, the longtime wife of legendary actor Gene Hackman. Betsy passed away earlier this year, and the family had gathered for what was intended to be a quiet, solemn ceremony.

However, emotions ran high when a disagreement reportedly broke out over the dog’s presence—and its future.

According to footage and witness reports, Elizabeth, visibly distressed, asked if the dog—an aging mixed breed named Daisy who had been closely attached to Betsy—could be buried alongside her.

“She wouldn’t want to be without her,” Elizabeth can be heard saying in the video, as she cradles the dog and pleads with those around her. Her voice cracks, and the pain is palpable. While some present were moved by the sentiment, others appeared shocked by the suggestion.

The video, now circulating on social media and tabloid sites, has ignited intense debate. Some viewers found the moment heartbreakingly human—a daughter grieving both her mother and the loyal companion who stood by her side.

Others, however, raised ethical and legal concerns, pointing out that in most U.S. states, it is not legal to bury pets in human cemeteries, especially not in traditional burials unless specific provisions are made.

Animal rights activists quickly weighed in. Several organizations emphasized that while the emotional bond between humans and their pets is profound, euthanizing a healthy animal solely for burial purposes is generally considered inhumane and is discouraged by veterinary professionals.

There is no indication from the footage that Daisy was euthanized or harmed, but the conversation alone sparked outrage from some corners of the internet.

Still, others came to Elizabeth’s defense. “People grieve in different ways,” one commenter wrote. “That dog probably slept next to her mother every night for years. It’s not about cruelty—it’s about closeness, about love.”

Many echoed that sentiment, noting that the line between pets and family has become increasingly blurred in modern households, where animals are often treated as full members of the family.

As the story spread, attention turned to the Hackman family. Gene Hackman, now 94, has been largely out of the public eye since retiring from acting in the early 2000s.

Known for his intensely private nature, he has not made any public comment on the video or his wife’s passing. Betsy, a former classical pianist and bookstore owner, had been by his side for over three decades and was widely known for keeping the couple’s life far from the Hollywood spotlight.

Their daughter, Elizabeth, has also kept a low profile over the years, avoiding celebrity circles despite her father’s fame. This sudden media attention has placed her in a harsh spotlight during what is clearly a time of intense grief.

Authorities have not taken any legal action, as the dog was not buried and no laws were technically broken. However, local officials did release a statement encouraging families to seek guidance from funeral professionals when navigating such emotionally charged situations.

They also reiterated that laws regarding human-pet burials vary widely by state and must be followed to ensure compliance and respect for all involved.

Meanwhile, the viral nature of the video has prompted a wider public conversation about grief, tradition, and how we honor our dead. Some funeral homes have begun offering pet-inclusive burial options in special sections of cemeteries or through cremation services that allow for symbolic reunions. For families who see pets as soul companions, the desire to stay together—even in death—is not as unusual as it may seem.

In the days since the video spread, tributes have poured in for Betsy Hackman, remembering her as a quiet force in Gene Hackman’s life and a warm presence to those who knew her. Friends have shared memories of her kindness, her love of animals, and her unwavering devotion to family.

As for Daisy, she is reportedly safe and well, currently staying with another family member. No further public statements have been made, and the Hackman family is said to be asking for privacy as they navigate their grief.

The viral moment, emotional and complicated as it is, has struck a chord with people worldwide. It’s a reminder that grief can manifest in ways that challenge our expectations and that sometimes, the love between a person and their pet is too deep for logic to explain.

At its core, the story isn’t about scandal or controversy—it’s about love, loss, and how difficult it can be to let go. Whether people agree with Elizabeth Hackman’s request or not, many have found themselves unexpectedly moved by it.

Because in the end, it’s not about a dog or a burial plot. It’s about the human heart—and what it holds on to when everything else is gone.