A recent investigation into the death of a dog belonging to actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has concluded that dehydration and starvation likely caused the animal’s demise. A report from the state Department of Agriculture’s veterinary lab revealed evidence of partial mummification and significant decomposition, but found no signs of disease, trauma, or poisoning. The dog’s stomach contained only small amounts of hair and bile, indicating it had not been fed.
The dog, a kelpie mix named Zinna, was discovered in a crate close to Arakawa’s body, while the couple’s other two dogs were found alive. Gene Hackman passed away due to heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s, just a week after Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease carried by rodents. Hackman’s body was located in the entryway of their Santa Fe home, and Arakawa’s body was in a bathroom. Similar to the dog, both of their bodies exhibited signs of decomposition and mummification, a typical outcome in Santa Fe’s dry climate.
While both deaths have been attributed to natural causes, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the circumstances surrounding their passings. Authorities are working to establish a timeline using information from cell phones collected from the residence. "The case is considered active until we have that information to tie up the timeline," stated sheriff’s spokesperson Denise Womack Avila.
Zinna, who was adopted from a shelter, had been a devoted companion to Arakawa. Joey Padilla, from a local pet care facility, reflected on Zinna’s strong bond with her owner.
Betsy Arakawa, originally from Hawaii, was a concert pianist and met Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a gym in California. Gene Hackman is renowned for his illustrious film career, winning two Academy Awards for roles in classic movies such as The French Connection, Hoosiers, and Superman.
Having enjoyed a reclusive life in Santa Fe for decades, the couple’s estate is now advocating for privacy, aiming to prevent the public release of autopsy and investigative reports pertaining to their deaths, including photos and video footage. The request to block this information will be evaluated by a state district judge.