An autopsy report has confirmed that Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s dog, Zinna, most likely succumbed to starvation and dehydration. The dog’s partially mummified remains were found inside a crate near Arakawa’s body when authorities discovered the couple dead in their Santa Fe home last month.
Dog’s Remains Show No Signs of Trauma or Poisoning
The state Department of Agriculture’s veterinary lab conducted the examination, ruling out poisoning, disease, or any external trauma as potential causes of death. While partial mummification complicated a full assessment of the internal organs, the findings suggest the dog had gone without food and water for an extended period.
Inside the dog’s stomach, veterinarians found almost nothing—just traces of hair and bile. The grim details underscore the distressing circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths, with their pet suffering alongside them.
Two Surviving Dogs Helped Authorities Locate Hackman’s Body
Hackman and Arakawa had three dogs. While Zinna was found deceased in a crate inside a bathroom closet, the two other dogs survived the ordeal.
Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya revealed that the surviving dogs were instrumental in helping first responders locate Hackman’s body. Authorities had searched the home for over 30 minutes before the dogs led them to the late actor.
The condition of the surviving animals has not been publicly disclosed, but they were reportedly removed from the home and placed under care.
Hackman and Arakawa’s Causes of Death Confirmed
The official autopsy reports determined that 95-year-old Gene Hackman died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Additionally, medical examiners noted “evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease” as a contributing factor.
Betsy Arakawa’s cause of death was identified as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare and often fatal disease transmitted by rodent droppings. Authorities classified her manner of death as natural.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza, who oversaw the investigation, stated that Hackman likely spent a full week alone in the house after Arakawa’s passing. The timeline suggests that Zinna, locked in the crate, may have endured several days without sustenance before succumbing.
Chilling Scene Described by Investigators
Reports from the scene painted a disturbing picture. Deputies found Arakawa’s body on her right side in the bathroom, her hands and feet exhibiting signs of mummification. A black space heater was nearby, possibly knocked over as she collapsed.
Hackman was discovered in another part of the house, where authorities believe he had been living with his wife’s body for a week before he, too, passed away. The advanced state of decomposition complicated the initial assessment, prompting deeper forensic analysis.
While investigations have provided clarity on the tragic sequence of events, questions remain about how long the couple had been struggling in isolation before their deaths. Family members have yet to comment publicly on the latest findings.
