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Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's dog likely died of dehydration and starvation, report says

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Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's dog likely died of dehydration and starvation, report says
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Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's dog likely died of dehydration and starvation, report says

2025-03-15 07:49 Last Updated At:10:12

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An examination of the dog found dead along with actor Gene Hackman and his wife in their Santa Fe home shows dehydration and starvation were likely what led to the animal’s demise.

A report obtained by The Associated Press from the state Department of Agriculture's veterinary lab details partial mummification and noted that while the severe decomposition could have obscured changes in the organs, there was no evidence of infectious disease, trauma or poisoning that could have resulted in death.

The report noted that the dog's stomach was mostly empty except for small amounts of hair and bile.

The kelpie mix named Zinna was one of the couple’s three dogs. It was found dead in a crate in a bathroom closet near Betsy Arakawa’s body, while two other dogs survived.

Authorities confirmed last week that Hackman died of heart disease with complications from Alzheimer’s disease about a week after a rare, rodent-borne disease — hantavirus pulmonary syndrome — took the life of his wife. Hackman, in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, apparently was unaware that his wife was dead.

Hackman was found in the home’s entryway, and Arakawa was found in a bathroom. Like the dog, their bodies were decomposing with some mummification, a consequence of body type and climate in Santa Fe’s especially dry air at an elevation of nearly 7,200 feet (2,200 meters).

While both deaths were ruled to be from natural causes, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office is finishing up the investigation by tying up the timeline with any information gleaned from the cellphones collected at the home and last contacts that were made.

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

Zinnia went from being a returned shelter dog to an incredible companion that was always at Arakawa's side, said Joey Padilla, owner of the Santa Fe Tails pet care facility that was involved in the surviving dogs’ care.

Arakawa, born in Hawaii, studied as a concert pianist, attended the University of Southern California and met Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a California gym.

Hackman, a Hollywood icon, won two Oscars during a storied career in films including “The French Connection,” “Hoosiers” and “Superman” from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.

The pair led a private life after moving to Santa Fe decades ago. A representative for the couple's estate has cited that privacy in seeking to block the public release of autopsy and investigative reports related to their deaths, especially photographs and video. It will be up to a state district judge to consider that request.

Billeaud contributed to this report from Phoenix.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza answers questions about the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Friday, March 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan)

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza answers questions about the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Friday, March 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan)

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PHOTO COLLECTION: Japan Baseball MLB

2025-03-15 10:03 Last Updated At:10:12

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors.

One of fans of Los Angeles Dodgers holds a banner says "Welcome to Japan! I love LA"as she waits for the team arrival at Tokyo International Airport Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Tokyo, as Los Angeles Dodgers is scheduled to play their MLB opening games against Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

One of fans of Los Angeles Dodgers holds a banner says "Welcome to Japan! I love LA"as she waits for the team arrival at Tokyo International Airport Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Tokyo, as Los Angeles Dodgers is scheduled to play their MLB opening games against Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Players of the Chicago Cubs participate in a training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Players of the Chicago Cubs participate in a training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Dansby Swanson, center left back, Shota Imanaga, center back, and Seiya Suzuki, center right back, of the Chicago Cubs chat as they prepare for a group photo before their training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, ahead of the Cubs' MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Dansby Swanson, center left back, Shota Imanaga, center back, and Seiya Suzuki, center right back, of the Chicago Cubs chat as they prepare for a group photo before their training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, ahead of the Cubs' MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Seiya Suzuki, right, and Shota Imanaga, left, of the Chicago Cubs prepare to pose for photographs after attending the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Seiya Suzuki, right, and Shota Imanaga, left, of the Chicago Cubs prepare to pose for photographs after attending the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, left, two-way player Shohei Ohtani, center, pitcher Roki Sasaki, right, attend the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, left, two-way player Shohei Ohtani, center, pitcher Roki Sasaki, right, attend the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki attends the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki attends the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki warms up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki warms up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki, right, walks during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki, right, walks during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Spectators watch the official training of Los Angeles Dodgers Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Spectators watch the official training of Los Angeles Dodgers Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Shota Imanaga of the Chicago Cubs participates in a training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Shota Imanaga of the Chicago Cubs participates in a training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Craig Counsell, left, manager of the Chicago Cubs, and Seiya Suzuki talks during a training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Craig Counsell, left, manager of the Chicago Cubs, and Seiya Suzuki talks during a training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Seiya Suzuki, left, of the Chicago Cubs, talks with Miguel Amaya during a training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Seiya Suzuki, left, of the Chicago Cubs, talks with Miguel Amaya during a training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Los Angeles Dodgers players warm up as a security guard stands guard during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers players warm up as a security guard stands guard during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs participates in a training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs participates in a training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell attends the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell attends the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Seiya Suzuki, right, and Shota Imanaga, left, of the Chicago Cubs, pose for photographers after attending an official news conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, before the Cubs play their MLB opening baseball games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Seiya Suzuki, right, and Shota Imanaga, left, of the Chicago Cubs, pose for photographers after attending an official news conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, before the Cubs play their MLB opening baseball games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers participates in a practice session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers participates in a practice session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Fans of Los Angeles Dodgers's Shohei Ohtani wait for the team arrival at Tokyo International Airport Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Tokyo, as Dodgers is scheduled to play their MLB opening games against Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Fans of Los Angeles Dodgers's Shohei Ohtani wait for the team arrival at Tokyo International Airport Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Tokyo, as Dodgers is scheduled to play their MLB opening games against Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani attends the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani attends the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani warms up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani warms up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers' first base Freddie Freeman warms up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers' first base Freddie Freeman warms up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers' outfielder Teoscar Hernández and his teammates warm up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers' outfielder Teoscar Hernández and his teammates warm up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Michael Busch, front, of the Chicago Cubs prepares to catch a ball as Justin Turner also participates in a training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Michael Busch, front, of the Chicago Cubs prepares to catch a ball as Justin Turner also participates in a training session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Fans watch the official training of Los Angeles Dodgers, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Fans watch the official training of Los Angeles Dodgers, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani warms up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. . (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani warms up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. . (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Players of Los Angeles Dodgers warm up during a training session in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, ahead of the Dodgers to play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Players of Los Angeles Dodgers warm up during a training session in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, ahead of the Dodgers to play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, left, two-way player Shohei Ohtani, right, chat, prior to the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, left, two-way player Shohei Ohtani, right, chat, prior to the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers players warm up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers players warm up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a pitcher of the Los Angeles Dodgers, starts a practice session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a pitcher of the Los Angeles Dodgers, starts a practice session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, left, and manager Dave Roberts, right, speak during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, left, and manager Dave Roberts, right, speak during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts speaks during a press conference in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, ahead of the Dodgers to play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts speaks during a press conference in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, ahead of the Dodgers to play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Fans of Los Angeles Dodgers wait for the team arrival at Tokyo International Airport Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Tokyo, as Los Angeles Dodgers is scheduled to play their MLB opening games against Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Fans of Los Angeles Dodgers wait for the team arrival at Tokyo International Airport Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Tokyo, as Los Angeles Dodgers is scheduled to play their MLB opening games against Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani warms up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani warms up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Seiya Suzuki, right, and Shota Imanaga, left, of the Chicago Cubs prepare to pose for photographs after attending the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Seiya Suzuki, right, and Shota Imanaga, left, of the Chicago Cubs prepare to pose for photographs after attending the official Press conference Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, as the Cubs play their MLB opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Players of Los Angeles Dodgers warm up during a training session in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, ahead of the Dodgers to play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Players of Los Angeles Dodgers warm up during a training session in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, ahead of the Dodgers to play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome next week. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Baseball fans cheer as a player of the Los Angeles Dodgers waves during a practice session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Baseball fans cheer as a player of the Los Angeles Dodgers waves during a practice session at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Friday, March 14, 2025, as the Dodgers play their MLB opening games against the Chicago Cubs at the venue next week. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani warms up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani warms up during the official training, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the MLB Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani warms up during the official training Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani warms up during the official training Friday, March 14, 2025, in Tokyo, ahead of the start of the Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

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