Gene Hackman’s daughter reportedly requested to bury the late actor’s dog, Zinna, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, following their tragic deaths in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The request reflects the family's deep bond with their pets and the emotional connection they shared.
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their home on February 26. Alongside them was Zinna, an Australian kelpie mix who had passed away due to dehydration and starvation. The couple’s two other dogs, Bear and Nikki, survived and are now under the care of Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails pet care facility.
Zinna’s death was particularly heartbreaking as she was described as a loyal companion to Arakawa. Padilla noted that Zinna had been a returned shelter dog before becoming a cherished member of the family. Reports from the state veterinary lab confirmed that Zinna’s demise resulted from severe neglect during the final days of Hackman and Arakawa’s lives. Hackman, in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, was unaware of his wife’s passing due to complications from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
The family’s request to bury Zinna with Arakawa highlights the couple's love for their pets. Padilla shared that Hackman and Arakawa were avid dog lovers who treated their pets like family. The surviving dogs are “safe and adjusting,” but their future care depends on decisions from Hackman’s estate.
The incident has sparked conversations about responsible pet care and the emotional toll of losing both loved ones and pets simultaneously. Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner known for films like The French Connection and Superman, led a private life with Arakawa in Santa Fe after retiring from Hollywood.
As investigations continue into the timeline of events leading to their deaths, the family seeks privacy while honoring their loved ones. The burial request for Zinna underscores the enduring bond between humans and their pets.
