Zinna, Gene Hackman’s dog, starves alongside its owners in New Mexico
- Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home, alongside their dog Zinna.
- Zinna likely died from dehydration and starvation, as revealed by a necropsy, with two other dogs surviving.
- The couple's tragic deaths have raised concerns about health impacts on pets and the need for privacy in sensitive matters.
In February 2025, Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found deceased in their home in New Mexico, alongside their dog Zinna. A necropsy revealed that the dog likely died from severe dehydration and starvation, as it was discovered in a crate inside a bathroom closet near Arakawa's body while Hackman's body was found elsewhere in the home. This tragic death coincided with a series of unfortunate events for the couple, as Hackman was reportedly suffering from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer's disease, while Arakawa had succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome just days prior to Hackman’s death. Their two other dogs managed to survive the ordeal and were later taken into care by an animal facility. The circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa have drawn attention to the repercussions of their health issues and the impact it had on their pets. They had led a private life after moving to Santa Fe and had become known for their love of animals and private lifestyle. Further complicating matters, the couple's estate is seeking to block the public release of autopsy reports and investigative details to maintain some semblance of privacy following their deaths. Overall, this series of events reflects the devastating consequences that health problems can have, not just for individuals but for families and beloved pets as well.