- Mistake revealed in investigation of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s deaths shows misidentified dog was Zinna not Bear.
- Authorities continue to investigate the suspicious deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
- No signs of external trauma or carbon monoxide poisoning were found on the couple.
- Toxicology results are pending to determine the cause of death.
Authorities investigating the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, have clarified a misunderstanding regarding the reported death of one of their dogs.
Initially, officials believed that the couple’s German shepherd, Bear, was the one found deceased. However, Joey Padilla, a pet care specialist who is caring for the surviving dogs, revealed that the actual dog that passed away was Zinna, an Australian kelpie mix.
Zinna was found in a kennel within a bathroom closet near Arakawa’s body. Padilla noted that Zinna was always by Betsy’s side and shared a beautiful bond with her. Zinna transformed from a shelter dog into an exceptional companion under Betsy’s care.
News Conference Friday 3/7/2025 at SFSO. *Information will not be released by any agency until then pic.twitter.com/K7SYi8oX50
— Santa Fe County Sheriff (@santafesheriff) March 6, 2025
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the mistake, explaining that their deputies do not interact with dogs regularly, which led to the misidentification. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Gene and Betsy’s untimely deaths continues, with officials facing challenges in reconstructing the timeline of events. Sheriff Adan Mendoza mentioned that the couple’s private nature made it difficult to gather information.
Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe residence on February 26 under suspicious circumstances. Their bodies showed no signs of external trauma, and they tested negative for carbon monoxide exposure. The cause and manner of their deaths have not been determined yet, and toxicology results are pending.
Also Read: King Charles III Reveals His Surprising Playlist Featuring Diverse Artists
Last Updated on March 7, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
