In a recent investigation involving the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, authorities mistakenly misidentified a deceased pet, according to a Santa Fe pet care specialist.
The couple’s German shepherd, Bear, is alive along with another dog named Nikita; however, their kelpie mix, Zinna, was the one who passed away, mentioned Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails pet care facility, which is responsible for the care of the surviving animals.
Padilla expressed in an email that Zinna was inseparable from Betsy and described their bond as beautiful. He noted that Zinna transformed from a returned shelter dog to a wonderful companion, largely due to Betsy’s care and affection.
The search for answers continues into the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa, who were found partially mummified in their Santa Fe home on February 26. It is believed that the couple could have died approximately two weeks before being discovered, stated Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.
While Zinna’s body was located in a kennel inside a bathroom closet near Arakawa, authorities did not conduct a necropsy, according to a spokesperson from the sheriff’s office. Initially, investigators incorrectly described finding a “deceased brown in color German Shepherd canine.”
Denise Avila, the spokesperson, acknowledged the initial misidentification, explaining that deputies may not be well-versed in distinguishing dog breeds as they don’t work with canines frequently.
The couple’s bodies were found with Arakawa’s near an open prescription bottle and scattered pills on the bathroom counter and Hackman’s remains at the house’s entrance. Both individuals tested negative for carbon monoxide, ruling out a leak, as no traces of the gas were detected within or around the residence.
Despite discovering a minor leak on one stove burner during an in-depth utility inspection, the sheriff’s office stated that it was not deadly.
Investigators have taken personal items from the home for examination, such as a monthly planner and two cellphones, and medical personnel are working to determine the precise cause of their deaths. Toxicology results are anticipated in the coming weeks.
