Santa Fe, New Mexico – An investigation into the death of a dog discovered alongside acclaimed actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Hackman, at their residence in Santa Fe has revealed troubling findings. A recently obtained report from the state Department of Agriculture’s veterinary lab suggests that dehydration and starvation were likely contributing factors in the dog’s demise.
The report, which details partial mummification of the dog, indicates that severe decomposition may have obscured changes in the organs. However, there was no evidence of infectious disease, trauma, or poisoning that could have led to the animal’s death. Additionally, the dog’s stomach was found to be mostly empty, containing only small amounts of hair and bile.
The deceased dog, a kelpie mix named Zinna, was one of the couple’s three pets. While Zinna was found in a crate in a bathroom closet near Betsy Hackman’s body, the other two dogs survived. Gene Hackman, known for his illustrious career in Hollywood films such as “The French Connection” and “Hoosiers,” succumbed to heart disease complications from Alzheimer’s disease shortly after his wife passed away from a rare rodent-borne illness.
Both Gene and Betsy Hackman’s bodies were discovered in an advanced state of decomposition with some mummification, thought to be a result of the dry climate in Santa Fe, which sits at an elevation of nearly 7,200 feet. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the deaths, seeking to tie up loose ends by analyzing information from cellphones collected at the scene and tracing the couple’s last contacts.
Betsy Hackman, a former concert pianist who met Gene Hackman in the 1980s, led a private life with her husband in Santa Fe for several decades. Their estate has requested to block the public release of autopsy and investigative reports, citing a desire to maintain privacy. The decision on the release of such sensitive information will ultimately rest with a state district judge.