Tragic Endings: Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa, and Their Beloved Dog Zinna
The recent deaths of esteemed actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have left many questions in their wake, particularly surrounding the fate of their Australian Kelpie mix, Zinna. While Hackman succumbed to heart disease, and Arakawa tragically fell victim to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the circumstances surrounding Zinna’s demise have sparked speculation and concern.
Authorities have confirmed that Gene Hackman, known for his iconic roles in films such as “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” passed away due to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s being a significant factor in his declining health. Reports indicate he likely died around February 18, 2025, following alarming readings from his pacemaker. Meanwhile, Betsy Arakawa’s death, attributed to a serious illness caused by exposure to rodent excrements, was believed to have occurred on February 11, 2025, the last day she was seen on surveillance footage.
The couple’s dog, Zinna, was found dead in a crate in their New Mexico home, raising eyebrows about her condition. Investigators have not yet determined an official cause of death for the 12-year-old dog; however, New Mexico State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps suggested that dehydration and starvation are plausible causes, given the timeline of events. “Given the timelines presented,” Phipps remarked, “it is a possibility.”
Adding to the tragic narrative is the fact that Zinna had received medical treatment shortly before the couple’s passing. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza revealed that Arakawa picked up Zinna from Gruda Veterinary Hospital on February 9, 2025, where she underwent a procedure. This context raises further questions about the dog’s health and care during the couple’s final days.
It’s worth noting that while hantavirus is a serious illness that poses risks to humans, it does not affect dogs, as Phipps clarified. “Dogs do not get sick from hantavirus,” she noted, emphasizing the zoonotic nature of the virus, which is primarily transmitted from rodents to humans. Investigators did find signs of rodent entry on the property, but the overall risk of exposure was deemed low.
The tragic circumstances surrounding the Hackman-Arakawa household remind us that even in the face of fame and success, life can take unexpected and heartbreaking turns. As we reflect on the couple’s legacy, we are left to ponder the complexities of health, care, and the inevitable cycle of life.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, The New York Times, CBS News
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