Gene Hackman's Dog Cause of Death Still Under Investigation as Cops Confirm Pet Was 'Crated' Due to Surgical Procedure

Mar. 15, 2025

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in 2003.Photo:AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

The cause of death forGene Hackman’s dog Zinna is still unknown.The Hackmans' dog Zinna, an Australian Kelpie mix, is undergoing a necropsy to determine how it died, authorities said on Friday, March 7, while alsorevealing the cause of deathfor both Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, 64.Betsy died from hantavirus, a flu-like virus linked to rodent droppings, and the Oscar-winning actordidn’t die until a week later, authorities shared in the press conference. Gene died from a combination of severe heart disease, high blood pressure andadvanced Alzheimer’s disease, and was likely alone in the homewith his dead wife for days.Their dog Zinna was found dead inside a crate at their New Mexico home on Feb. 26, where Hackman and Betsy’s bodies were also discovered. Two other surviving dogs, both German shepherds named Bear and Nikita, were found alive on the property.On Feb. 9, 2025, Betsy picked up the dog from Gruda Veterinary Hospital and “there was a procedure that was done with the dog which may explain why the dog was in a crate at the residence,” Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared.A spokesperson for the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s officepreviously told PEOPLEthat deputies were dispatched to a home in Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Hackman, Betsy and one dog were found dead.Officers said, at the time, that foul play was not suspected.Gene Hackman in 2003.NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via GettyTheFrench Connectionactor shared three children, Elizabeth, Christopher and Leslie, with his late ex-wife Faye Maltese. He married Betsy in 1991.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.A staple on the big and small screen, Hackman won Oscar awards for his role inThe French Connectionand Clint Eastwood’sUnforgiven. He also appeared in 1967’sBonnie and Clyde, 1978’sSuperman, 1996’sThe Birdcageand 2001’sThe Royal Tenenbaums. On television, he appeared in episodes ofThe Defenders,HawkandThe Invaders.The actor retired from acting after starring in 2004’sWelcome to Mooseport, but went on to make an appearance inDiners, Drive-Ins and Divesand narrate two documentaries.In a 2011GQinterview, Hackman said he wanted to be remembered as a “decent actor” and “someone who tried to portray what was given to them in an honest fashion.” Asked at the time to sum up his life in a single phrase, Hackman replied, “‘He tried.’ I think that’d be fairly accurate.”

The cause of death forGene Hackman’s dog Zinna is still unknown.

The Hackmans' dog Zinna, an Australian Kelpie mix, is undergoing a necropsy to determine how it died, authorities said on Friday, March 7, while alsorevealing the cause of deathfor both Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, 64.

Betsy died from hantavirus, a flu-like virus linked to rodent droppings, and the Oscar-winning actordidn’t die until a week later, authorities shared in the press conference. Gene died from a combination of severe heart disease, high blood pressure andadvanced Alzheimer’s disease, and was likely alone in the homewith his dead wife for days.

Their dog Zinna was found dead inside a crate at their New Mexico home on Feb. 26, where Hackman and Betsy’s bodies were also discovered. Two other surviving dogs, both German shepherds named Bear and Nikita, were found alive on the property.

On Feb. 9, 2025, Betsy picked up the dog from Gruda Veterinary Hospital and “there was a procedure that was done with the dog which may explain why the dog was in a crate at the residence,” Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared.

A spokesperson for the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s officepreviously told PEOPLEthat deputies were dispatched to a home in Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Hackman, Betsy and one dog were found dead.

Officers said, at the time, that foul play was not suspected.

Gene Hackman in 2003.NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

TheFrench Connectionactor shared three children, Elizabeth, Christopher and Leslie, with his late ex-wife Faye Maltese. He married Betsy in 1991.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

A staple on the big and small screen, Hackman won Oscar awards for his role inThe French Connectionand Clint Eastwood’sUnforgiven. He also appeared in 1967’sBonnie and Clyde, 1978’sSuperman, 1996’sThe Birdcageand 2001’sThe Royal Tenenbaums. On television, he appeared in episodes ofThe Defenders,HawkandThe Invaders.

The actor retired from acting after starring in 2004’sWelcome to Mooseport, but went on to make an appearance inDiners, Drive-Ins and Divesand narrate two documentaries.

In a 2011GQinterview, Hackman said he wanted to be remembered as a “decent actor” and “someone who tried to portray what was given to them in an honest fashion.” Asked at the time to sum up his life in a single phrase, Hackman replied, “‘He tried.’ I think that’d be fairly accurate.”

source: people.com