How Gene and Betsy Hackman's dog died revealed in autopsy report
An autopsy report on the dog found dead with actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Hackman, in their Santa Fe home suggests dehydration and starvation as the likely causes of the animal's death. The report, obtained by The Associated Press from the state Department of Agriculture's veterinary lab, indicates signs of partial mummification. Despite the severe decomposition, no evidence of trauma, poisoning, or infectious disease was found.
Gene Hackman and wife Betsy at the Golden Globe Awards in 2003.
Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage
The dog, a kelpie mix named Zinna, was one of three dogs belonging to the Hackman couple. Zinna's body was discovered in a crate in a bathroom closet near Betsy Hackman’s body, with two other dogs surviving the ordeal. Zinna’s stomach contained only small amounts of hair and bile, and the report noted that her stomach was largely empty.
The deaths of Gene and Betsy Hackman were ruled to be from natural causes. Gene Hackman, who had been battling Alzheimer's disease, passed away from heart disease a week after his wife succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare rodent-borne illness. Authorities believe that Gene Hackman, in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's, was unaware of his wife’s death.
Both Gene and Betsy Hackman’s bodies showed signs of mummification, a result of the dry climate in Santa Fe, located at nearly 7,200 feet above sea level. Gene Hackman was found in the home’s entryway, while Betsy was discovered in a bathroom.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case, including a review of cellphones found at the scene to finalize the timeline of events. The investigation remains active as authorities await further details.
Zinna, the dog who passed away, had once been a returned shelter dog and became a loyal companion to Betsy Hackman, according to Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails pet care facility, who cared for the surviving dogs.
Betsy Hackman, originally from Hawaii, was a concert pianist who met Gene Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a California gym. Gene Hackman, a Hollywood legend, won two Academy Awards for his roles in The French Connection, Hoosiers, and Superman before retiring in the early 2000s.
The couple had enjoyed a private life in Santa Fe for many years. A representative for their estate has requested to block the public release of their autopsy and investigative reports, including photographs and video, a decision which will be left to a state district judge.
