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carbon monoxide poisoning Elizabeth Jean Hackman, the daughter of renowned actor Gene Hackman, has shared her belief that her 95-year-old father and his 63-year-old wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, likely perished due to within their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence. Authorities have stated that the couple, along with one of their dogs, had been deceased for at least a day prior to the discovery of their bodies during a welfare check conducted by a neighbor on Wednesday.
While Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza informed TMZ that there were no visible signs of trauma, he has not ruled out any potential causes, including the possibilities of a double homicide, suicide, accidental death, or natural causes. Forensic expert and Fox News contributor Dr. Michael Baden offered his perspective, suggesting that the circumstances surrounding their deaths align with the typical indicators of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Marines, we lost a legend today. Gene Hackman, who enlisted in the Corps at 16, has passed away at the age of 95.
David Letterman once asked him about the circumstances that led to his decision to join the Corps. I believe he said it was the Dress Blues!
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— ππππ¦π₯πππππ₯ βπ ππ πππ β πͺ (@TheLtColUSMC) February 27, 2025
“When a car motor engine is left onβ¦and it isn’t properly turned off, carbon monoxide comes out of the exhaust and goes into the house. Dogs, or any other type of animal, and humans die. They don’t feel any type of pain, they don’t know anything’s wrong. It’s silent. Carbon Monoxide is painless, and they just go to sleep,” he explained on Thursday morning.
Baden further noted that a malfunctioning boiler could also produce carbon monoxide, leading to such tragic consequences.
After actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found deceased in their Santa Fe residence, authorities are now calling their deaths "suspicious."
Originally the family believed the likely cause of death was a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning.
However, a Santa Fe⦠pic.twitter.com/HCOwfODS1o
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) February 27, 2025
The couple, who had been married for over three decades, had made their home in Santa Fe following Hackman’s retirement from acting in the early 2000s. After the discovery of their bodies, authorities obtained a warrant to conduct a search and enlisted the assistance of the fire department and gas company to ensure the safety of the premises before proceeding.
Notably, two of the couple’s dogs were found alive within the home, as reported by TMZ.
While authorities have not disclosed an official cause of death for Hackman, Arakawa, or their deceased dog, they have not suspected foul play at this time.
