Gene Hackman’s daughter says carbon monoxide poisoning may have led to parents’ deaths

Santa Fe: Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their New Mexico home this week, with their daughter suggesting carbon monoxide poisoning as a possible cause.

Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told TMZ that while the exact cause remains uncertain, the family suspects toxic fumes may have been responsible. Authorities have not confirmed this, as investigations continue.

According to investigators, Gene Hackman and his wife had apparently been dead for some time. 

The utility tested the gas lines in and around the home after the bodies were discovered, according to the warrant. At the time, it didn't find any signs of problems. A detective noted that people exposed to gas leaks or carbon monoxide may not show signs of poisoning.

Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office detectives wrote in a search warrant. There was an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on a countertop near Arakawa. Denise Avila, a sheriff's office spokesperson, said there was no indication that any of them had been shot or had other types of wounds.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that deputies discovered the couple’s bodies during a welfare check on Wednesday, after a neighbour raised concerns. One of their dogs was also found dead inside the home. Gas company and fire department personnel were called to the scene to assess any potential hazards before deputies entered.

Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 63, had been married since 1991. The couple's residence, built in 2000, showed no immediate signs of gas leaks, and it remains unclear whether there had been any prior reports of such issues.

While law enforcement initially reported no signs of foul play, TMZ cited a search warrant in which an investigator described the deaths as "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation."

According to reports, Hackman’s body was discovered in one room, fully clothed, with sunglasses nearby, while Arakawa’s body was found in the bathroom. Pills were scattered next to her, and a space heater was positioned near her head. Authorities noted that Arakawa appeared to have been deceased for some time, as her body showed signs of decomposition.

The sheriff’s office has yet to determine an official cause of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was widely recognised for his powerful performances portraying complex, everyman characters. His acting career spanned decades, with dozens of film credits extending well into his 70s.

(With inputs from AFP)