Investigators are providing insight into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, as well as the cause behind the death of their pet dog discovered at their home in New Mexico on February 26th.
Officials announced at a press conference held on March 7 that R. Hackman died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s playing a major role in his passing. Investigators estimate that he likely passed away around February 18 based on readings from his pacemaker.
As a lifestyle expert, I’m deeply saddened to share that my dear friend, Arakawa—whom I’ve known for over three decades and shared countless memories with—lost her life to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This is a severe respiratory disease primarily transmitted through contact with rodent urine and droppings. Her last confirmed sighting was on surveillance footage around Feb. 11, making that date a heart-wrenching milestone in our shared history.
Although the exact cause of death for the 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix Zinna hasn’t been verified yet, it’s plausible that she might have died from dehydration and lack of food, as suggested by New Mexico State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps.
“Given the timelines presented,” she told reporters, “it is a possibility.”
Additionally, officials pointed out that due to Hackman’s severe stage of Alzheimer’s, a progressive and degenerative brain disease, it could very well be that he was oblivious to his surroundings. This means he might not have been aware of Arakawa’s passing or the fact that Zinna was confined in a crate.
It’s been reported that Zinna underwent some undisclosed medical care before the demise of both Hackman and Arakawa.
At the press briefing, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza mentioned that our investigation reveals she collected Zinna from Gruda Veterinary Hospital on February 9, 2025. He added that there seems to have been a medical procedure performed on the dog, which could account for why the dog was kept in a crate at her residence.
Necropsy results for Zinna are pending, per Mendoza.
According to officials, it’s extremely improbable that Zinna contracted the same illness as Arakawa, given that dogs are not susceptible to hantavirus, as stated by Phipps.
“These viruses are zoonotic,” she noted, “meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans.”
Phipps noted that the risk of contamination in Hackman and Arakawa’s residence was considered “comparable to other neatly kept homes in New Mexico,” however, investigators discovered indications of rodent intrusion in other buildings on their property.
As a connoisseur of wellness and lifestyle matters, I must emphasize that Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is an uncommon illness, primarily associated with hantaviruses. Surprisingly, there are still occasional human cases reported annually in New Mexico. Let me stress, this is a significant health concern.
For a look back at Hackman and Arakawa through the years, keep reading…
Read More
- OM/USD
- Carmen Baldwin: My Parents? Just Folks in Z and Y
- Solo Leveling Season 3: What You NEED to Know!
- Jellyrolls Exits Disney’s Boardwalk: Another Icon Bites the Dust?
- Despite Strong Criticism, Days Gone PS5 Is Climbing Up the PS Store Pre-Order Charts
- Jelly Roll’s 120-Lb. Weight Loss Leads to Unexpected Body Changes
- Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Bombs at Box Office, Worse Than Expected
- Solo Leveling Season 3: What Fans Are Really Speculating!
- Netflix’s Dungeons & Dragons Series: A Journey into the Forgotten Realms!
- Moo Deng’s Adorable Encounter with White Lotus Stars Will Melt Your Heart!
2025-03-08 03:18