In a heartbreaking revelation, a report obtained by The Associated Press has shed light on the sad demise of Zinna, the dog belonging to iconic actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy. The findings from the state Department of Agriculture's veterinary lab indicated that severe dehydration and starvation were the primary causes behind the dog's tragic death.

According to the report, Zinna was found showing signs of partial mummification, and while the advanced decomposition complicated a complete analysis, there was no evidence of infectious diseases, trauma, or poisoning that could have led to her passing. Disturbingly, the examination revealed that Zinna's stomach was mostly empty, containing only small remnants of hair and bile.

Zinna was a kelpie mix and was one of three dogs cherished by the couple. Tragically, she was discovered lifeless in a crate located in a bathroom closet near Betsy Hackman's body, while the couple's two other dogs managed to survive the ordeal.

The investigation into the circumstances of Gene and Betsy Hackman's deaths has also been a topic of public interest. It was confirmed last week that Gene Hackman succumbed to heart disease, compounded by complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. This came shortly after the couple faced a devastating blow when Betsy died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and serious rodent-borne illness. Reports suggest that at the time of his wife's death, Gene, who was in advanced stages of Alzheimer's, may not have been aware of what had occurred.

The couple's bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe home, with Gene found in the entryway and Betsy in the bathroom. Their deteriorating condition was attributed to both their natural body types and the exceptionally dry climate of Santa Fe, located at nearly 7,200 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level.

While both cases have been ruled as resulting from natural causes, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office is diligently concluding their investigation. They are working to piece together a timeline of events using information extracted from the cellphones recovered from the home. Denise Womack Avila, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, stated, “The case is considered active until we have that information to tie up the timeline.”

Zinna, who had once been returned to a shelter, became a devoted companion to Betsy Hackman, often staying by her side. Joey Padilla, the owner of Santa Fe Tails, the pet care facility responsible for the care of the surviving dogs, spoke fondly of Zinna's spirited nature and loyalty.

Betsy Hackman, originally from Hawaii, was a classically trained concert pianist who attended the University of Southern California. She crossed paths with Gene Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a California gym, marking the beginning of a longstanding partnership.

Gene Hackman, a Hollywood legend with an illustrious career, won two Academy Awards for his remarkable performances in classics such as *The French Connection*, *Hoosiers*, and *Superman*. His retirement in the early 2000s left a significant void in the film industry, as fans and peers remembered his groundbreaking work.

This series of tragic events highlights not only the fragility of life but also the deep bonds shared between humans and their pets. Fans and friends alike are mourning the loss of both Betsy and Gene Hackman, as well as their beloved canine companion, Zinna.