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Gene Hackman‘s family has addressed his shocking passing less than 24 hours after authorities confirmed his death. The Hollywood veteran passed away under mysterious circumstances, which one of his daughters suspects could be related to toxic fumes. Elizabeth Jean Hackman shared her speculations with sources, noting the family believes carbon monoxide poisoning is to blame.ย
She noted authorities found no signs of foul play; however, they have not ruled it out completely. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stressed that his deputies are still investigating, and nothing is certain. The late actor was found alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog following a wellness check.
Sheriff Mendoza revealed his deputies performed a wellness check on the TV personality’s home after a neighbor raised concerns. Whether toxic fumes played a role in the couple’s deaths has not been confirmed. However, TMZ shared that gas company and fire department personnel ensured deputies were not endangered during their search.
Inside Gene Hackman’s Life Before His Death
Given the mysteries surrounding the Superman actor’s death, Elizabeth had little to share on the subject. Instead, she shed light on her father’s life before his passing. She noted Gene and his wife had lived in their New Mexico home since his 2004 retirement.ย
After leaving Hollywood, the grieving daughter revealed her dad had spent his days painting. Gene and Betsy were last spotted in a rare public sighting on March 28, 2024. The TV legend was photographed walking with a cane while holding his wife’s arm for support.
Gene died at 95, with Betsy taking her last breath at 64. There is no word of service yet, as the family is still getting their affairs in order. On the other hand, the possibility of toxic fumes at play left numerous fans lamenting on X. “So sad. With all the carbon monoxide testing in our homes, this should not happen,” someone stressed.ย
Another echoed similar sentiments, labeling toxic fumes “the silent killer.” A third noted the actor’s passing saddened them, while a fourth claimed the news had upset them. The truth about the entertainer’s passing will eventually come to light once authorities crack the case.
Gene Hackman’s Mysterious Death Is Under Investigation
According to PEOPLE, Gene’s death and that of Betsy are now part of “an active and ongoing investigation.” Per reports, the couple’s bodies were discovered on Wednesday, February 26, after authorities visited their residence around 1:45 p.m.
The duo’s bodies were not formally identified until 12:30 a.m. on Thursday. We reported that Sheriff Mendoza revealed there was no immediate indication of foul play. However, he did not provide a cause of death or share when the couple might have died.
Gene got his big acting break in his mid-thirties after playing Warren Beatty’s brother in 1967’s Bonnie and Clyde. The role earned him his first Oscar nomination in 1968. He scored his second nomination for Best Supporting Actor three years later for I Never Sang for My Father. He eventually won his first Oscar in 1972, thanks to his leading role in The French Connection.
Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
