In a tragic turn of events, the deaths of renowned actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their beloved dog Zinna paint a somber picture of love, loss, and the harsh realities of life.
- March 15, 2025
AceShowbiz - Newly released reports have provided grim details about the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog Zinfandel, also known as Zinna, in their Santa Fe home.
The couple, who led a private life after moving to Santa Fe decades ago, were both found deceased on February 26 by authorities performing a welfare check.
According to autopsy reports obtained by multiple news outlets, Arakawa, 65, died on or around February 11 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted through rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
Hackman, 95, who was in advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease, likely did not realize his wife had passed away. He himself died approximately one week later, on February 18, from heart disease complicated by his Alzheimer's condition.
The couple's dog, Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix, was found dead in a crate near Arakawa's body. A necropsy revealed that Zinna likely died of dehydration and starvation. Her stomach was mostly empty except for small amounts of hair and bile, with no signs of infection, trauma, or poisoning.
Robert Gruda, the owner of Gruda Veterinary Hospital, mentioned that Arakawa had been advised to confine the dog to a crate following a major surgery in January, which led to this unfortunate occurrence after her untimely death.
Two surviving dogs, Nikita and Bear, were found roaming the property, which had an open front and back door. They were eventually taken into care by Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails pet care facility. He described Arakawa as a dedicated and loving caretaker to her pets.
The investigation into the timeline of the deaths continues, with authorities compiling information from cellphones and other last contacts. The final days of Hackman remain unclear, though autopsy results indicate he had not eaten recently but showed no signs of dehydration. He was discovered in a mudroom with his cane and sunglasses nearby.
The deaths of Hackman and Arakawa have sparked an emotional response from the public and friends, who remember them as devoted dog lovers and exceptional individuals. The couple's deep affection for their pets and each other is evident in the reflections shared by those who knew them.
