Gene Hackman’s dog likely died of starvation and dehydration, showed partial mummification, report says
Share and Follow


Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa’s dog Zinna — found dead alongside the couple in February –likely died of starvation and dehydration, according to an autopsy report obtained by The Associated Press.

The report, which came from the state Department of Agriculture’s veterinary lab, said the partial mummification of the dog could have obscured changed in organs, but there was no evidence of poisoning, disease or trauma that could have led to death.

Inside the dog’s stomach was very little aside from small amounts of hair and bile.

The kelpie mix was just one of the couple’s three dogs. Its body was discovered in a crate in a bathroom closet near Arakawa’s body. The couple’s two other dogs survived.

The two surviving dogs allegedly helped first responders find the actor’s dead body after they searched his home for more than 30 minutes, Fire Chief Brian Moya told USA Today earlier this month.

As we previously reported, Hackman, 95, and his wife, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 27.

Arakawa also showed signs of decomposition and partial mummification by the time authorities discovered their bodies.

The Santa Fe detective who examined the scene said Arakawa had “bloating in her face and mummification in her hands and feet.”

Deputies found Arakawa lying on her right side in the bathroom with a black space heater near her head, which they believe could have tumbled off the counter if she abruptly fell.

Autopsy reports for both the “French Connection” star and Arakawa revealed that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare rodent-transmitted virus. The manner of death was natural.

Hackman’s cause of death was hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and “evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease” as a significant contributory factor.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza said he believed Hackman was alone with his dead wife for seven days before he died.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Fans Left Stunned As Nelly Tells Ashanti He’s Not Pitching In With The Baby On Their New Series

Ever since rekindling their relationship in September 2023, musical artists Nelly and…

Criticism of Gia Giudice for requesting Trump to pardon her dad Joe: ‘A display of utmost privilege’

Gia Giudice is facing backlash after she asked President Donald Trump to…

How Malia Obama initially responded to her father becoming President inadvertently caused some embarrassment.

By Lea B July 4, 2025…

Clare Balding from Wimbledon expresses feeling devastated while discussing a setback at home with her wife.

Wimbledon’s BBC presenter Clare Balding has opened up about the ongoing setback…

A Breaking Bad Star Is Heading to The Pitt Season 2, Here Who Else Is Set To Join

Since the first season of The Pitt premiered, the hit TV show…

Salley Carson Accuses Venita Aspen of Being Two-Faced During Filming of Southern Charm Season 11

92 Credit: Clifton Prescod/Bravo Salley Carson seems to be at odds with…

Wife of late Charmed star Julian McMahon shares statement following his death from cancer

Julian McMahon, renowned for his roles in Charmed and Nip/Tuck, has tragically…

Jessi Ngatikaura, a Mormon wife, responds to body-shamers with gratitude

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast member Jessi Ngatikaura has hit…