Gene Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, has suggested that carbon monoxide poisoning may have been the cause of death for her father and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
The 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor and his 64-year-old wife were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday, Feb. 26 alongside one of their pet dogs.
Investigation Ongoing, No Foul Play Suspected
Authorities have not determined an official cause of death, but a spokesperson for the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office told PEOPLE that foul play is not suspected at this time. The gas company and fire department inspected the property to check for toxic fumes, ensuring the safety of investigators.
Elizabeth, 63, told TMZ that the family remains uncertain about the cause but suspects carbon monoxide poisoning as a possibility.
Authorities Confirm Details of the Case
Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that when authorities responded for a wellness check, they discovered two dogs alive, while Hackman and Arakawa had likely been deceased for at least a day.
Hackman’s Lasting Legacy
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, retired from acting in 2004 after a career spanning more than six decades. In a 2011 GQ interview, he humbly stated that he wanted to be remembered as a “decent actor” who gave honest performances. When asked to sum up his life in a phrase, he responded, “He tried.”
