Gene Hackman’s dog likely died of dehydration and starvation, showed partial mummification, report says
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Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Hackman had three dogs, and one was found dead when the couple's bodies were discovered

Published March 14, 2025 3:14pm EDT | Updated March 14, 2025 3:17pm EDT

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UCSF Memory and Aging Center neurologist Michael Geschwind evaluates new details in Gene Hackman’s death on ‘Fox Report.’



Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Hackman's dog most likely died from dehydration and starvation. (Getty Images)



Zinna, one of the couple's three dogs, was found when Hackman and Arakawa's bodies were discovered at their Santa Fe home Feb. 26.

Authorities previously revealed that Zinna's body was discovered in a crate that was in a closet about "10 to 15" feet away from where Betsy's body was found on the floor of the bathroom.

"There was a procedure that was done with the dog which may explain why the dog was in a crate," Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza explained during the news conference.

The partial mummification of the animal could have obscured changes in organs, but there was no evidence of poisoning, infectious disease or trauma that could have led to death.

The report also specified that the dog's stomach was empty, with only small amounts of hair and bile discovered.



Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Hackman were found dead in their Santa Fe home Feb. 26. (Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)



The investigation remains ongoing until cellphone data can be reviewed.

Joey Padilla, the owner of Santa Fe Tails, had been working with Hackman and Arakawa, training and watching their dogs, for a decade. He previously told Fox News Digital the couple's 



Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa Hackman had three dogs. (Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

"Anytime Betsy had an errand to do, they went with her. These dogs loved going on a ride in the car with Betsy, and it didn't matter if it was going to the store, even when we would go to dinner. We'd go to dinner, and the dogs would be in the car. They were very much attached to Betsy," Padilla explained.



_Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright and The Associated Press contributed to this report._

Janelle Ash is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to .
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