The tragic deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog have raised serious concerns about the cause of their passing. While authorities have not confirmed the cause yet, Hackman’s family suspects carbon monoxide poisoning may be to blame. The actor, known for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, led a peaceful retirement in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his wife. This heartbreaking incident has prompted an ongoing investigation by local authorities.
Hackman’s Family Suspects Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Hackman’s eldest daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, spoke to TMZ, revealing the family’s belief that carbon monoxide poisoning might have been the cause of the deaths. The family suspects toxic fumes may have been released inside their New Mexico home, leading to the tragic incident. Although authorities have not confirmed any gas leaks at the residence, the couple had lived in their Santa Fe home since 2004 after Hackman retired from Hollywood.
Elizabeth shared that her father had been enjoying a quiet retirement, focusing on his painting and spending time with his wife. Hackman and Arakawa had embraced a peaceful life away from the limelight, making the tragic nature of their deaths even more heart-wrenching. Authorities discovered their bodies while performing a routine welfare check, leading to further investigation into the cause of their passing.
Authorities Investigate the Cause of Death
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared with the media that Hackman and his wife had been deceased for at least a day before being found. Despite the lack of visible trauma to their bodies, authorities are not ruling out any possibilities, including double homicide, suicide, accidental death, or natural causes.
Upon discovering the bodies, investigators obtained a search warrant to inspect the house thoroughly. To ensure the safety of the scene, they involved the fire department and the gas company. The investigation has raised more questions, as authorities found two of Hackman and Arakawa’s dogs alive inside the home. This discovery has further deepened the mystery of the incident.
The Mystery Deepens: Could It Be an Accident?
The lack of visible signs of trauma, along with the presence of the surviving dogs, has left investigators questioning the exact cause of death. While carbon monoxide poisoning remains a strong suspicion, it is still too early to determine if that was indeed the cause. The authorities are taking all precautions to rule out any other potential causes, including gas leaks, which are often hard to detect but could have fatal consequences. The couple’s peaceful lifestyle and the unusual circumstances surrounding their deaths have only added to the sadness and mystery of the case.
Hackman’s Legacy and Retirement
Gene Hackman’s death marks the loss of a beloved Hollywood icon, who won two Academy Awards for his powerful performances. After retiring in 2004, Hackman had largely stayed away from the public eye, preferring to live quietly with his wife. They had a strong bond, and Hackman often spoke fondly of his wife, Betsy, who was a classical pianist. The couple’s decision to retire to New Mexico was one they made to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, away from the pressures of fame.
While the cause of death remains undetermined, the suspicion of carbon monoxide poisoning has added an unsettling twist to the already tragic situation. Hackman’s family and the authorities continue to investigate the incident, and the public remains in shock over the loss of such an iconic figure. As the investigation unfolds, authorities hope to reveal the truth, bringing closure to the family and friends mourning this devastating loss.
