Cause of death for Gene Hackman's dog revealed

Gene Hackman’s 12-year-old dog that was found dead in the owners’ home last month likely died from dehydration and starvation, according to an examination report obtained by the Associated Press.

The report from a veterinary lab from the state Department of Agriculture revealed that Zinna showed signs of partial mummification. The report stated there was no evidence of infectious disease, trauma, or poisoning leading to the dog’s death. Zinna’s stomach was found to be empty, except for small amounts of hair and bile.

The discovery of Zinna’s body came as Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their New Mexico home last month. The couple's deaths were ruled as due to natural causes. Zinna was found in a crate in the bathroom, where Arakawa was also found.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza previously noted that Arakawa had picked up the dog from the veterinarian on the 9th, possibly explaining why the dog was in the cage. Arakawa died two days later on February 11. The dog had recently undergone a medical procedure.

Investigators are still working to determine the exact timeline of the deaths. The sheriff's office is gathering data from cell phones and other sources to help establish when events took place.

“The case is considered active until we have that information to tie up the timeline,” a spokesperson for the sheriff said, per the AP.

Hackman and Arakawa were both found dead in their home on February 26. Investigators determined Arakawa likely died around February 11, with symptoms consistent with hantavirus, a rare rodent-borne virus that can be deadly. Hackman is believed to have died a week later on February 18 from heart disease. Hackman had shown “evidence of advanced Alzheimer's disease.”

The couple's two other dogs survived and were found roaming the estate by first responders.