A dog found dead with actor Gene Hackman and his wife at their Santa Fe home likely died of dehydration and starvation, according to research.
The New Mexico Department of Agriculture's veterinary laboratory noted the animal's remains were partially mummified and stressed that, despite significant decomposition that could have obscured changes in the organs, there were no indications of infectious diseases, injuries or poisoning that led to death.
A report obtained by the Associated Press said the dog's stomach was virtually empty, except for a small amount of hair and bile.
A kelpie mix named Zinna was one of the couple's three dogs.
He was found dead in a box in a bathroom closet next to the body of Betsy Arakawa, while the other two dogs survived.
Last week, authorities confirmed that Hackman died of heart disease with complications due to Alzheimer's disease, about a week after a rare rodent-borne disease, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, claimed the life of his wife.
Hackman, who suffered from advanced Alzheimer's disease, appeared to have no comprehension that his wife had died.
The movie legend was found in the home's entryway, while Arakawa was found in the bathroom. Like the dog, their bodies showed signs of decomposition with some mummification, consistent with their body types and the climate in the particularly dry Santa Fe air at nearly 7,200 feet.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
