Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home under mysterious circumstances, along with their family pet. The actor’s daughter now believes silent, deadly carbon monoxide poisoning is to blame for the tragic deaths that shocked Hollywood and fans nationwide.
Family Suspects Invisible Killer Claimed Hollywood Legend
Gene Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth Jean has come forward with the family’s belief that carbon monoxide poisoning caused the deaths of her father, his wife, and their dog. The family received information from law enforcement indicating no foul play was involved, though the investigation remains active with toxicology reports pending.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza has reassured the community there is no immediate danger following the discovery of the bodies after a concerned neighbor requested a welfare check. A gas company is now assisting authorities in determining whether a leak occurred in the couple’s home, which was built in 2000 and considered fairly modern with no prior reports of gas hazards.
The Silent Danger Lurking in American Homes
Carbon monoxide poisoning remains a deadly threat in homes across America, killing hundreds and hospitalizing thousands each year because the gas is completely odorless and colorless. This colorless, odorless gas can quickly overcome victims without warning, often while they sleep, highlighting the critical importance of properly functioning carbon monoxide detectors in every home.
BREAKING: Gene Hackman’s daughter told TMZ she suspects carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of death for her father, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog.https://t.co/j7SKxfRZ9M
📺 Sky 501, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/r1nf0y5G7S
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 27, 2025
Prevention requires proper ventilation, regular maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, and installation of carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home. The tragedy underscores how even modern homes with no history of problems can suddenly develop deadly gas leaks, emphasizing the need for routine safety checks of heating systems and other gas appliances.
Hollywood Mourns a Conservative Icon’s Passing
Hackman’s passing at 94 marks the end of an era for American cinema, with the two-time Oscar winner having retired from acting in 2004 after an illustrious career. The actor was known for his iconic roles in “The French Connection,” “Unforgiven,” and “Superman,” where he portrayed the villainous Lex Luthor.
“The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great artist, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.” – Francis Ford Coppola
Gene Hackman RIP🕯️🧵
Grok: Likely that #GeneHackman, his wife and their dog died from carbon monoxide poisoning, official cause not confirmed.
No foul play suspected, appears to be an accidental tragedy, possibly related to a faulty heating system given the cold February weather. pic.twitter.com/9JUCdMtyNh— West Coast Wildfire + Quake (@BCWildfireHelp) February 27, 2025
Unlike many of today’s outspoken liberal celebrities, Hackman lived a quiet life away from Hollywood in New Mexico with his wife of over three decades. Fellow actors have flooded social media with tributes, including Josh Brolin who called him “one of my favorites” and noted “not many who beat to their own drums like he did,” recognizing Hackman’s independent spirit that set him apart from today’s politically vocal Hollywood elite.
The beloved actor leaves behind three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese and a legacy of authentic, powerful performances that championed American resilience and strength. His final public appearance occurred in April 2024, maintaining his preference for privacy that stood in stark contrast to the attention-seeking behavior common among today’s celebrities.
Sources:
What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? Gene Hackman Death Sparks Questions – Newsweek