Key Takeaways:

• Gene Hackman's dog, Zinna, likely died from dehydration and starvation, according to a veterinary report.
• The couple was found in their home with their dog after both passed away within a week of each other.
• Authorities noted there were no signs of trauma, poisoning, or infectious disease in the dog.
• Hackman died from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer's, while his wife succumbed to hantavirus.
• The surviving dogs are currently in the care of a pet facility following the tragic events.

The tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have become even more apparent following a recent examination of their dog, Zinna. The report indicates that the female kelpie mix likely died from dehydration and starvation after being found deceased alongside the couple in their Santa Fe home.

According to a necropsy report from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture's veterinary lab, Zinna's stomach was mostly empty except for small amounts of hair and bile, and there were no signs of disease, trauma, or poisoning that might have led to her demise. Zinna was found in a crate near Arakawa's body, which further complicates the emotional aftermath of their deaths.HuffPost reported that the couple's other two dogs survived the ordeal, having been left with access to a doggy door.

While the investigation confirmed that Hackman, 95, passed away from heart disease with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributing factor, the timeline surrounding the deaths remains unclear. Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—a rare yet serious virus spread through contact with rodents—shortly before Hackman succumbed to his health issues. Officials indicated that there’s a possibility Hackman was unaware of his wife's passing due to his advanced Alzheimer's condition, suggesting he may have been incapable of contacting authorities for help.

The condition and state of decomposition of the bodies found adds further complexity to the investigation, with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office still examining cell phone records for a better understanding of the timeline prior to their discoveries.

Joey Padilla, who runs Santa Fe Tails Pet Care, stated that Zinna had a loving home environment and was a cherished companion to Arakawa. Both surviving dogs are currently safe and being cared for after this heartbreaking episode struck the Hackman family.

Privacy concerns have been raised around the release of sensitive autopsy and investigative reports related to the case, as the family's estate has formally requested protection against public disclosure.

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