In a bizarre turn of events surrounding the tragic deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, authorities mistakenly identified a deceased dog during their investigation, according to a pet care expert involved with the couple’s surviving pets.
Joey Padilla, the owner of Santa Fe Tails pet care facility, clarified that the couple’s German shepherd, Bear, and another dog named Nikita survived. However, their kelpie mix, Zinna, did not make it. “Zinna was always attached to Betsy at the hip, and it was a beautiful relationship,” Padilla shared in a heartfelt email statement. “She went from being a returned shelter dog to an incredible companion under Betsy’s care.”
Authorities have been working to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths after their partially mummified bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26. Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County stated that the couple may have passed away up to two weeks prior to their discovery.
During the investigation, officers initially recorded finding a deceased “brown in color German-Shepherd canine,” which later turned out to be incorrect. It was, in fact, Zinna, the kelpie mix, who was found in a kennel inside a bathroom closet near Arakawa. The mistake, authorities admitted, stemmed from deputies' lack of familiarity with canine breeds. “Our deputies don’t work with canines on a daily basis,” explained sheriff’s office spokesperson Juan R. Avila, acknowledging the misidentification.
Meanwhile, authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause of death for Hackman and Arakawa. The silent killer—an odorless, colorless gas known to be fatal in enclosed spaces—was initially a concern, but both bodies tested negative for exposure. Additionally, no gas leaks were detected in or around their home.
However, a deeper utility inspection revealed a minute gas leak from one burner on the couple’s stove. Officials were quick to clarify that the leak was not significant enough to be lethal.
The investigation continues, with authorities retrieving key personal items from the home, including a monthly planner and two cellphones, which are now undergoing forensic analysis. While medical examiners are still piecing together the precise cause of death, toxicology results are expected to take several more weeks.
The tragic scene inside the home has left investigators searching for answers. Arakawa’s body was discovered in a bathroom with an open prescription bottle and scattered pills on the countertop, while Hackman’s remains were found in the home’s entryway. The circumstances raise questions about potential health issues, foul play, or even an accidental overdose.
As the case unfolds, the misidentification of Zinna adds an unusual twist to an already perplexing tragedy. The emotional connection between Betsy and her beloved dog highlights the personal losses beyond the headline-making deaths of the Hollywood icon and his wife. USA Today was the first to report on the canine mix-up, bringing more attention to the finer details of the ongoing investigation.
For now, the surviving pets, Bear and Nikita, remain in the care of Santa Fe Tails, as loved ones, fans, and authorities seek to uncover the truth behind this deeply unsettling loss.
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