Dehydration and Starvation Likely Cause of Death for Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's Dog: Report

Mar. 15, 2025

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.Photo:Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

New details have been released regarding the death of Gene Hackman and his wifeBetsy Arakawa Hackman’s dog Zinna.

Santa Fe County animal control said dehydration and starvation likely led to the kelpie mix’s death, theAssociated Pressreported Friday, March 14, citing the New Mexico agency.

However, the canine’s body had already shown signs of partial mummification, meaning the severe state could have obscured changes in organs.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza at press conference.Sipa via AP

Sipa via AP

The outlet also noted that no evidence of infectious disease, trauma or poisoning was detected. Santa Fe County animal control also noted that Zinna’s stomach was empty except for small amounts of hair and bile, per AP.

Zinna, Hackman, 95, and Arakawa Hackman, 65, were discovered dead in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26.

The longtime couple, who were married since 1991, had two other dogs on the property at the time — Bear and Nikita.

Gene Hackman with wife Betsy Arakawa.Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty

Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty

It was later determined that she died from hantavirus, a flu-like virus linked to rodent droppings.

TheMississippi Burningactor died approximately a week later from severe heart disease, high blood pressure andadvanced Alzheimer’s disease.

Zinna was found dead in her crate, but Bear and Nikita had been roaming freely in and out of the house because a back door was left open.

Santa Fe Fire Department Chief Brian Moya toldUSA Todayearlier this week that the surviving dogs helped first responders find the bodies of their owners, noting that the canines kept running up to them and barking, then running in a different direction.

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa.DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock

DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock

“They realized (the dog) was trying to say, ‘Hey, come over here! Come over here!’ ” Moya said.

Zinna had reportedly undergone a “major surgery” in January and veterinary staff grew concerned after the classical pianist didn’t come in to pick up some specialized dog food and medication for Zinna on Feb. 11.

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Joey Padilla owns a facility that has been caring for Bear and Nikita since their owners' deaths.

“[Zinna] was always attached to Betsy at the hip and it was a beautiful relationship,” Padilla previouslytold the APin a statement. “Zinna went from being a returned shelter dog to this incredible companion under Betsy’s hand.”

source: people.com