Gene Hackman’s 95-year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog Zinnia were found dead in their New Mexico home last month. The cause of Arakawa’s death was determined to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, while Hackman died a week later from heart disease compounded by advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Heather Jarrell, from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, revealed these findings in a press conference. It is believed that due to his Alzheimer’s, Hackman may not have been aware of his wife’s death several days prior.
The investigation into the deaths also examined the cause of death for Zinnia, the couple’s kelpie mix. It was found that the dog died from dehydration and starvation, likely after the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa. The examination of Zinnia found no evidence of infectious disease, trauma, or poisoning that could have caused its death. The dog was discovered partially mummified and severely decomposed, with an empty stomach except for small amounts of hair and bile. Zinnia was found in a crate, while the couple’s other two dogs had access to a doggy door.
The couple’s surviving dogs were said to have been unharmed, indicating that Zinnia may have been without food or water for several days after Hackman and Arakawa passed away. It was noted that four days before Arakawa’s death, she had taken Zinnia to the veterinarian, which could explain why the dog was found in a crate. Zinnia was described as a shelter dog who became a devoted companion to Arakawa. The circumstances surrounding the dog’s death are heartbreaking, as it appears Zinnia may have been left to suffer alone after the deaths of its owners.
In light of these tragic events, Hackman’s estate has sought to prevent the release of autopsy and investigative records related to the deaths of Hackman, Arakawa, and Zinnia. This request is made in an effort to protect the family’s privacy during their time of grief. The potential dissemination of disturbing photos and videos collected during the investigation has raised concerns about the impact on the family’s mourning process. The investigation into the deaths remains ongoing as officials await information from the cell phones belonging to Arakawa and Hackman.
The spread of hantavirus, which can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in humans, is a dangerous consequence of exposure to rodents. The virus is transmitted through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, and can have severe respiratory symptoms. In this case, it was determined that Arakawa contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leading to her untimely death. The revelation of the cause of death for both Arakawa and Zinnia sheds light on the tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of the couple and their beloved dog.
