Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa’s dog Zinna’s cause of death still under investigation

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: More than ten days after Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and their pet dog Zinna’s bodies were discovered from the couple’s Santa Fe house on February 26, the cause of the death of the pet dog - who was “crated” - is still under investigation. 

On Friday, March 7, medical investigators revealed the causes of the tragic deaths of the 95-year-old actor and his classical pianist wife, 65. However, the authorities further noted that the cause of death of Zinna is still unknown and is currently under investigation, as reported by People.

Speaking at the press conference, New Mexico’s Chief Medical Examiner Dr Heather Jerrell shared that while ‘The French Connection’ actor died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, his wife died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) - a respiratory illness caused by an infection spread by rodents, per The Independent.

Gene Hackman’s family dog was ‘crated’ due to surgical procedures

As reported by People, other than the mummified bodies of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, the body of their pet dog Zinna was also discovered inside a crate in their Santa Fe home.

During their press briefing on Friday, the police shared that the necropsy of Zinna - an Australian Kelpie mix - is still undergoing to determine how the canine died. 

Nevertheless, the couple’s two other dogs, Bear and Nikita - both German shepherds - were found alive and roaming on the property.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared that Zinna went through a surgical procedure which “may explain” why it was in a crate. Speaking at the press conference, the sheriff said that Arakawa had picked up the dog from Gruda Veterinary Hospital on February 9. 

He continued, “There was a procedure that was done with the dog which may explain why the dog was in a crate at the residence.”

They also revealed that while Hackman’s pacemaker stopped recording on February 18, indicating he might have died during the same time. While the actor died from a combination of severe heart disease, high blood pressure and advanced Alzheimer's disease, his wife likely died a week ago around February 11. 

Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa was very close to their three dogs

A Santa Fe dog shelter owner reflected on Betsy Arakawa's close bonding with their three pets.

Joey Padilla, the owner of the dog day care Santa Fe Tails where the couple's remaining two dogs are currently being sheltered, shared that Zinna was "always attached to Betsy at the hip".

In a statement to an outlet, as reported by BuzzFeed, Padilla wrote, “Betsy and Gene were incredible dog parents. They knew the importance of good training, a healthy diet and socialization. There was nothing they wouldn’t do for the well-being of their dogs."

He noted that he was “very saddened to hear of Zinna’s passing," adding, “She was always attached to Betsy at the hip and it was a beautiful relationship to watch flourish over the years."

"Zinna went from being a returned shelter dog to this incredible companion under Betsy’s hand," shared the shelter owner, before continuing, “Their two surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita, are healthy and receiving the best care in a familiar environment. They are surrounded by people they know who love them and are committed to their safety.”