A cause of death has been established for Gene Hackman's dog after it was found dead alongside the actor and his wife last month.
An examination of the kelpie mix, named Zinnia, found that dehydration and starvation were likely behind the pup's demise.
Why it matters
Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found partially mummified in separate rooms of their New Mexico home on February 26. Zinna was found dead at the home nearby.
Dr. Heather Jarrell, the chief medical examiner for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, confirmed their causes of death in a press conference last week.
Arakawa, 65, died on February 11 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a potentially deadly virus that is spread by rodents. Hackman, 95, died a week later from “heart disease with advanced Alzheimer's a significant contributory factor.”
Jarell said that Hackman's advanced Alzheimer's disease means it was likely that the actor was “not aware” that his wife had died several days earlier.
However, it was not clear at the time how Zinnia had died. The couple's other two dogs survived.
What To Know
On Friday, a report from the Santa Fe County animal control agency detailed the examination on the dog, which found no evidence of infectious disease, trauma or poisoning that could have resulted in death.
Noting the dog's partial mummification and severe decomposition, the report found that the dog's stomach was mostly empty except for small amounts of hair and bile.
It is believed Zinnia starved to death after Hackman and Arakawa died.
The kelpie mix was found in a crate, while the couple's other two surviving dogs had access to a doggy door.
A police investigation found that four days before Arakawa's death, she had taken Zinnia for veterinary treatment, which may explain why the animal was being crated.
Joey Padilla, owner of the Santa Fe Tails pet care facility, said Zinnia had been a shelter dog but became an incredible companion to Arakawa and was always at her side after her adoption.
Hackman's estate has asked a court to block the public release of autopsy and investigative records relating to their deaths, to protect their family's right to privacy in grief under the 14th Amendment. The request highlights the potentially shocking nature of photos and videos collected during the investigation and the possibility of their dissemination by the media.
Mark J. Terrill/AP
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a virus spread to humans through contact with rodents. Hantaviruses found in the U.S. can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs.
What People Are Saying
Dr. Heather Jarrell at Friday's press conference: “It is unprecedented for the Office of the Medical Investigator to make public statements about death investigations. However, the circumstances surrounding these two deaths require accurate dissemination of important information.”
Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden told Fox News Digital that Hackman “didn't understand that [Arakawa] was dead. He didn't understand that he needed to call 911.”
What Happens Next?
The investigation remains open as officials are still awaiting information from cell phones belonging to Arakawa and Hackman.
Roberto E. Rosales/AP
