BREAKING: Gene Hackman, Oscar-Winning Actor, and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead in Their New Mexico Home; Family Points to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning as Sheriff Confirms They’ve Been Deceased for Over 24 Hours as Family spokesperson says “We are devastated and are looking for answers,”

Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead in New Mexico Home; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Suspected

Santa Fe, New Mexico – In a heart-wrenching development, Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe home alongside their dog, with carbon monoxide poisoning emerging as the suspected cause of death. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the couple had been dead for over 24 hours before their bodies were discovered.

Gene Hackman, renowned for his iconic roles in films like “The French Connection,” “Unforgiven,” and “Superman,” was 95 years old at the time of his passing. Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist and Hackman’s wife since 1991, was 64. The couple, who had lived in the serene hills of New Mexico since the 1980s, were last seen publicly enjoying a meal at Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe in March 2024.

The tragic discovery came after a neighbor, concerned by the lack of activity at the Hackman residence, called for a welfare check. Upon arrival, deputies found no signs of forced entry or foul play, leading to initial speculation about the cause of death. However, the presence of their deceased dog hinted at a possible environmental cause, with carbon monoxide poisoning quickly becoming a focus of the investigation.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated, “Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time, however, the exact cause of death has not been determined.” The investigation is ongoing, with the medical examiner’s office expected to provide definitive answers in the coming weeks.

Family members have voiced their suspicions regarding carbon monoxide poisoning, a colorless and odorless gas that can be lethal in enclosed spaces. “We are devastated and are looking for answers,” said a family spokesperson. “This is an unimaginable loss, and we’re hoping for clarity on how this could have happened.”

Carbon monoxide poisoning is not uncommon, particularly in winter months when heating systems are in use. The New Mexico Department of Health has reported numerous such incidents in the past. The Hackman residence, while modern, was not immune to the dangers of gas leaks, which can go unnoticed until it’s too late.

The community of Santa Fe, along with fans around the world, mourns the loss of Hackman, an actor whose career spanned over four decades, earning him two Academy Awards, among other accolades. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, friends, and admirers, celebrating his contributions to cinema and his enduring presence in the art of storytelling.

As the investigation continues, there is a call for increased awareness about carbon monoxide detectors and safety measures to prevent such tragedies. “Our focus is on understanding this tragedy to prevent future incidents,” the family’s statement reads, emphasizing the need for vigilance in homes across the country.

This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the invisible dangers that lurk in our daily environments, prompting a broader discussion on home safety, particularly in how we protect our loved ones from silent killers like carbon monoxide.

For now, the Hackman family asks for privacy as they navigate through this profound loss, hopeful that the cause of this tragic event will soon be fully understood, offering some solace in the wake of their grief.