User blog comment:Xilinoc/Ch. 591 - Marching Out the ZOMBIES 2/@comment-24739353-20140731121349/@comment-5398287-20140802230143

Well, the physical Zanpakuto of a Shinigami can remain even after their body is gone (a good example is Ryujin Jakka, which was returned to the 1st Division barracks after Yamamoto was obliterated); however, the spirit dies along with the Shinigami, so the abilities of the Zanpakuto can no longer be used by any party because there is no spirit providing power to the blade (although a Bankai stolen with a Medallion can still be used even after the original owner is dead, as evidenced with Driscoll and Chojiro).