Tragedy in Santa Fe: New Details Emerge in Death of Gene Hackman, Wife, and Beloved Dog
The idyllic quiet of Santa Fe, New Mexico, was shattered in late February with the discovery of Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their beloved dogs, all deceased within their sprawling home. While the initial reports focused on the tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of the celebrated actor and his wife, new details have emerged regarding the passing of their Australian Kelpie mix, Zinfandel, affectionately known as Zinna.
The necropsy report, obtained independently by the Associated Press (AP) and ABC News, paints a grim picture of Zinna’s final days. According to the report, sourced by the AP from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Diagnostic Services and by ABC News from Santa Fe Animal Control, Zinna likely succumbed to dehydration and starvation. USA TODAY has reached out to both the Department of Agriculture and Santa Fe Animal Control for further information and confirmation.
The findings reveal the stark reality of the situation within the Hackman-Arakawa residence in the days and weeks leading up to the discovery. The report indicated that the 12-year-old dog’s stomach was largely empty, containing only trace amounts of hair and bile. Notably, there was no evidence of infectious disease, trauma, or poisoning, effectively ruling out other potential causes of death.
While the exact date of Zinna’s death remains undetermined, the autopsy findings described "partial mummification" and "severe decomposition," suggesting the dog had been deceased for a considerable period before the discovery on February 26th. On that day, maintenance workers, concerned after spotting Arakawa on the bathroom floor, contacted emergency services. Sheriff’s deputies and paramedics arrived to find Zinna lifeless inside a crate. The couple’s other two dogs, Nikita and Bear, were found roaming the property, and both the front and back doors of the house were found ajar, hinting at the disarray and vulnerability within the home.
The image of a confined and deteriorating Zinna stands in stark contrast to the care the dog had previously received. Robert Gruda, owner of Gruda Veterinary Hospital, shared with USA TODAY that his staff had advised Arakawa to keep Zinna crated following a major surgery in January to limit her movement and aid in her recovery. Gruda emphasized Arakawa’s devotion to her animals. “She was an excellent dog owner, excellent caretaker to those dogs,” he stated. “She really doted on them.”
The discovery of Arakawa’s body near Zinna further underscores the tragic sequence of events. Investigators estimated that Arakawa had passed away on February 11th, her body showing signs of decomposition. Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor, was found in a mudroom, with a cane and sunglasses nearby, suggesting his own declining health and mobility.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office later revealed the cause of Arakawa’s death as Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and potentially fatal disease contracted through contact with infected rodent droppings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clarifies that Hantaviruses are primarily spread by rodents and are not transmitted from person to person. Hackman, at 95 years old, suffered from heart disease and complications stemming from Alzheimer’s disease and ultimately died from natural causes.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths has painted a poignant and unsettling picture of the couple’s final days. Law enforcement officials theorize that Arakawa’s unexpected death incapacitated Hackman, leaving him unable to care for himself or their beloved pets. The effects of his Alzheimer’s disease likely prevented him from fully understanding his wife’s passing or responding appropriately to the dire situation.
Hackman is believed to have died approximately a week after his wife, with his pacemaker last registering activity on February 18th. New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, confirmed that Hackman was in very poor health. While the autopsy revealed that he had not eaten recently, it indicated that he did not suffer from dehydration, a crucial detail in understanding his final moments.
The unanswered questions surrounding Hackman’s final week continue to haunt investigators. How did the acclaimed actor spend his last days? Was he aware of his surroundings? What led to the neglect of Zinna, despite Arakawa’s prior dedication to the animals’ well-being?
The tragedy in Santa Fe is a complex tapestry of illness, loss, and the devastating effects of aging. It speaks to the challenges of caring for elderly individuals, particularly those suffering from cognitive decline, and the vulnerability of those who depend on them, both human and animal. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community support and regular check-ins on vulnerable individuals to prevent such heartbreaking situations from unfolding. The image of a mask, a cane, and a frantic dog, now coupled with the details of Zinna’s agonizing death, will undoubtedly remain a poignant symbol of the tragic final chapter in the lives of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
