Dehydration and Starvation Likely Cause of Death for Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's Dog: Report
Santa Fe County animal control said dehydration and starvation likely led to the kelpie mix's death, the Associated Press reported Friday, March 14, citing the New Mexico agency.
However, the canine's body had already shown signs of partial mummification, meaning the severe state could have obscured changes in organs.
The outlet also noted that no evidence of infectious disease, trauma or poisoning was detected. Santa Fe County animal control also noted that Zinna's stomach was empty except for small amounts of hair and bile, per AP.
Zinna, Hackman, 95, and Arakawa Hackman, 65, were discovered dead in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26.
Related: What Happened to Gene Hackman and His Wife? What We Know So Far About Their Deaths
The longtime couple, who were married since 1991, had two other dogs on the property at the time — Bear and Nikita.
Paramedics with the Santa Fe Fire Department found Arakawa Hackman collapsed in a bathroom near a space heater and scattered pills, according to a search warrant affidavit reviewed by PEOPLE.
It was later determined that she died from hantavirus, a flu-like virus linked to rodent droppings.
The Mississippi Burning actor died approximately a week later from severe heart disease, high blood pressure and advanced Alzheimer's disease.
Related: Gene Hackman's Dog Cause of Death Still Under Investigation as Cops Confirm Pet Was 'Crated' Due to Surgical Procedure
Zinna was found dead in her crate, but Bear and Nikita had been roaming freely in and out of the house because a back door was left open.
Santa Fe Fire Department Chief Brian Moya told USA Today earlier this week that the surviving dogs helped first responders find the bodies of their owners, noting that the canines kept running up to them and barking, then running in a different direction.
'They realized (the dog) was trying to say, 'Hey, come over here! Come over here!' ' Moya said.
Zinna had reportedly undergone a 'major surgery' in January and veterinary staff grew concerned after the classical pianist didn't come in to pick up some specialized dog food and medication for Zinna on Feb. 11.
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Joey Padilla owns a facility that has been caring for Bear and Nikita since their owners' deaths.
"[Zinna] was always attached to Betsy at the hip and it was a beautiful relationship,' Padilla previously told the AP in a statement. 'Zinna went from being a returned shelter dog to this incredible companion under Betsy's hand.'
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