Daughter reveals how she thinks Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa died

Hackman’s daughter has shared her theory behind the actor’s death after the 95-year-old was found dead alongside his wife and dog at their home.

The daughter of iconic Hollywood actor Gene Hackman, who was found dead alongside his wife and dog in their New Mexico home, has revealed her theory behind her father’s death.

Authorities said Hackman, 95, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, and one of their dogs, were found dead at their Santa Fe mansion.

While police have said they suspect no foul play a search warrant filed to search the property states the deaths are “suspicious”.

Speaking to TMZ, Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman – whom he shared with his late first wife Faye Maltese – suggested carbon monoxide poisoning may be to blame.

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in 2003. Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

However, police have said there are some doubt as to whether that was indeed the cause.

Both the fire brigade and the gas company inspected the property following the deaths, according to a search warrant.

“As of now, there are no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated to the pipes in and around the residence,” New Mexico gas company reportedly stated.

Tragic last picture of star and his wife

Hackman was spotted holding onto Arakawa’s arm while he used a cane on March 28, 2024, during a rare public appearance.

The couple were on a dinner date in Santa Fe, New Mexico, heading into Pappadeaux’s restaurant.

The Hollywood legend had celebrated his 94th birthday just weeks before these pictures were taken.

Earlier in the day, the couple were also seen visiting a local Speedway store, where Gene bought a cup of coffee and an apple pie.

The reclusive pair were rarely spotted and pictured out, despite their fame.

Gene was also pictured in 2023, pumping gas into his car and getting a coffee from a gas station.

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were spotted in Santa Fe, New Mexico grabbing a bite at Pappadeaux's on March 28, 2024. Credit: SPLASH/BACKGRID

The then 93-year-old looked frail while he was out in the Santa Fe area.

Police said there were no signs of foul play in the couple’s death.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff added that there is an “active investigation” into their tragic death.

“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail,” police said in a statement.

“This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”

‘Mummification’

The search warrant stated “the death of the two deceased individuals to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation”.

That was because “the front door of the residence (was) unsecured and opened, deputies observed a healthy dog running loose on the property, another healthy dog near the deceased female, a deceased dog laying 10-15 feet (3 – 4 metres) from the deceased female in a closet of the bathroom, the heater being moved, the pill bottle being opened and pills scattered next to the female, the male decadent being located in a separate room of the residence, and no obvious signs of a gas leak”.

Gene Hackman on March 8, 2023. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

TMZ reported that police believed Hackman may have suddenly fallen because his sunglasses were found near to his body.

While a bathroom heater could have fallen after Arakawa “abruptly fell to the ground”.

She may have been dead for “some time,” it was reported.

“The body was in a state of decomposition with bloating in her face and mummification in her hands and feet”.

The bodies were discovered by two tradesman who entered the $5.3 million home who said they had not seen the couple for around a fortnight.

Police in Santa Fe have not released the couple’s cause of death.

Hackman was famous for playing Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde.

Hackman also starred in the hit movies Runaway Jury, The French Connection, The Royal Tenenbaums, Unforgiven, and The Conversation.

In 1972, he scooped the Best Actor gong for his role as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection.

In 1993, Hackman won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in Unforgiven.

Hackman married Arakawa in 1991 in a private ceremony in the US.

The pair do not have any children together. Hackman has three children from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese.