An examination of the dog found dead along with actor Gene Hackman and his wife in their Santa Fe home shows dehydration and starvation were likely what led to the animal’s demise.

The deceased dog was found in the home with the bodies of the actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple’s two other dogs had survived.

The Santa Fe mansion of late Hollywood actor Gene Hackman was reportedly in a "shocking" state before his tragic passing. The bodies of the 95-year-old star and his wife Betsy Arakawa were discovered in their New Mexico home last month following a welfare check by neighbourhood security.