A grim discovery in the home of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has brought attention to their beloved pet's final moments.
According to the New York Post, a state necropsy report revealed that the couple's kelpie mix named Zinna, who was found dead alongside her owners in their Santa Fe residence, died from dehydration and starvation while locked in a bathroom crate.
The report detailed signs of partial mummification in Zinna's remains, with veterinarians noting an empty stomach containing only minimal amounts of hair and bile. The examination showed no evidence of infectious disease, trauma, or poisoning that could have contributed to the dog's death, though severe decomposition made a complete analysis challenging.
Arakawa, 65, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare rodent-borne disease, approximately one week before her husband's death. Hackman, who was 95 and suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease, remained unaware of his wife's passing.
The iconic actor's death was attributed to heart disease complications exacerbated by his Alzheimer's condition. Both bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26, with authorities ruling the deaths as natural causes.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the precise timeline of events, analyzing cellphone data collected from the scene to establish a definitive sequence of the tragic occurrences.
Zinna, whose full name derived from "Zinfandel," had found a loving home with Hackman and Arakawa after being returned to a shelter. The couple maintained a strong connection to animal rescue, with one of their other dogs being a stray discovered on the set of "The Replacements" in 1999.
Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails pet care facility now caring for the couple's two surviving dogs, shared insights about Zinna's special bond with Arakawa. The dog had become an inseparable companion, rarely leaving her owner's side.
The facility has taken responsibility for the welfare of the couple's remaining pets, ensuring their continued care following the tragic loss of their owners.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Denise Womack Avila stated: "The case is considered active until we have that information to tie up the timeline."
Authorities are meticulously examining all evidence to construct a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to the deaths of Hackman, Arakawa, and their beloved pet.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's unexpected deaths in their Santa Fe home led to the devastating discovery of their pet Zinna's remains in a bathroom crate. The beloved kelpie mix succumbed to dehydration and starvation, as confirmed by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture's necropsy report.
The investigation continues as authorities work to establish a precise timeline of events through analysis of cellphone data recovered from the scene, while the couple's two surviving dogs have found care at the Santa Fe Tails pet facility.
