Gene Hackman’s dog likely died of starvation and dehydration, autopsy report reveals
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: New details have emerged regarding the tragic death of Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their pet dog, Zinna.
The couple was found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 27, alongside their kelpie mix, whose lifeless body was located in a crate inside a bathroom closet near Arakawa’s remains.
Autopsy report sheds light on Zinna’s death
According to an autopsy report obtained by The Associated Press, Zinna likely died of starvation and dehydration, with no evidence of poisoning, disease, or trauma.
The report, conducted by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s veterinary lab, noted that partial mummification had obscured certain internal changes, making it difficult to determine if any other factors contributed to the dog’s death.
However, the lack of food in Zinna’s stomach, aside from small amounts of hair and bile, suggested that the animal had been deprived of sustenance for an extended period.
Zinna was one of three dogs owned by the couple, with the other two surviving the ordeal.
How the surviving dogs helped authorities locate Gene Hackman’s body
Fire Chief Brian Moya previously told USA Today that the two surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita, played a crucial role in leading first responders to Hackman’s body.
It took search teams more than 30 minutes to locate the late actor inside his home, as the house was large and dimly lit.
The surviving pets, however, guided responders to where Hackman had collapsed, ultimately leading to the discovery of his lifeless body.
Betsy Arakawa’s cause of death revealed
Further autopsy reports provided insight into Betsy Arakawa's death.
The 65-year-old was found lying on her right side in the bathroom, with a black space heater near her head.
According to Santa Fe detectives, Arakawa’s body exhibited signs of decomposition and mummification, including bloating in her face and mummification in her hands and feet.
The official cause of death for Arakawa was determined to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare and deadly virus transmitted by rodents.
The manner of death was classified as natural. Hantavirus infections are extremely rare but can lead to severe respiratory distress, and in many cases, death.
Gene Hackman’s cause of death and final days
Gene Hackman was determined to have died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
The autopsy also cited “evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease” as a significant contributing factor to his death.
While it remains unclear how long Hackman was suffering from Alzheimer’s, experts suggest that the condition may have played a role in the circumstances leading to his death, according to Page Six.
One of the most chilling revelations from the investigation was Sheriff Adan Mendoza’s statement that Hackman was likely alone with his deceased wife’s body for approximately seven days before he died.
Given his age and declining health, it is believed that the 95-year-old actor may have been disoriented or unable to seek help during this period, which could have contributed to his eventual death.
