The gas company tasked with helping the investigation of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s ‘suspicious’ deaths say they found a ‘minuscule leak’.
The veteran Hollywood actor, 95, was discovered on the floor of his Santa Fe, New Mexico, home late last month (February 26) while his wife, 65, and their 12-year-old dog were found in similar positions in a separate room.
Gene’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told TMZ last week that she suspects the pair could’ve died from carbon monoxide poisoning or other ‘toxic fumes’.
Yet initial tests carried out by the Santa Fe City Fire Department showed there were ‘no signs’ of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.
Gene and Betsy were found dead on the floor of their home last month (Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office also said they did not suspect foul play but determined the mysterious and seemingly sudden deaths ‘suspicious enough’ to warrant a thorough investigation.
Now, the New Mexico Gas company has confirmed that there are ‘no significant findings’ in the couple’s home related to gas leaks or carbon monoxide, reports Variety.
However, gas workers did find a ‘minuscule’ leak around a stove burner, which showed 0.33 percent gas in the air, but determined it was ‘not a lethal amount.’
The gas company also noted four other ‘red tag’ code enforcement violations, not involving gas or carbon monoxide, around a water heater and gas log lighters in three fireplaces.
The sheriff’s office also said this week that natural gas is ‘not believed to be a factor.’
While autopsy and toxicology results into the superstar actor and the classical pianist are still pending, Sheriff Adan Mendoza said Gene and Betsy’s bodies tested negative for carbon monoxide, suggesting it has been ruled out as a cause of death.
A gas inspection found a minor leak but nothing that could’ve contribute to their deaths (Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
The pair also showed no signs of having suffered ‘external trauma’ but cops on the scene noted the pair appeared to have possibly ‘abruptly’ fallen to the ground and had apparently been dead for some time.
Tests on Gene’s pacemaker showed he was alive as of February 17 when a ‘last event’ was recorded, reports Daily Mail, which is nine days before their bodies were found.
The authorities say it is a ‘reasonable assumption’ that Gene died around that time the pacemaker recorded the event.
Among the ‘suspicious’ circumstances at the scene of their sprawling $3.8 million home were the fact the front door was unlocked, as discovered by two maintenance workers, and two of their three of their dogs on the premises were ‘healthy’.
A bottle of opened prescription pills were also found scattered on the counter top of the bathroom near Betsy’s body while Gene was found on the floor of the mud-room by a walking stick and sunglasses.
As police confirm the tragic news actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead at their New Mexico home, we take a look at everything we know so far.
On Wednesday (February 26), the couple and their pet dog were found dead at their residence on Sunset Trail, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed.
While investigations are still ongoing, Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, has now spoken out on what she believes caused Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths.
She reportedly told TMZ that while she is not sure how the pair died, she reckons it could be related to toxic fumes, suspecting their cause of death to be carbon monoxide poisoning.
Meanwhile, Sky News has reported that ‘a gas company has said it is assisting in the investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa’.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa had been married for 34 years (Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)
The couple were found dead in different rooms
A search warrant from police in Santa Fe has now revealed that Hackman and Arakawa had been dead for ‘some time’ and were found in different rooms.
The couple’s dog was found dead in similar circumstances, police added.
Hackman was found in a mudroom – a room used for dirty or wet footwear and clothing – while Arakawa was found dead in a bathroom, where there was an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the counter top.
An official cause and time of death is yet to be confirmed as authorities continue their investigations.
No ‘foul play’ involved
The police department previously said they did not believe foul play was a factor in their deaths.
In addition to this, Denise Avila, a sheriff’s office spokesperson, confirmed that neither Arakawa or Hackman had gunshot wounds, or any other type of wounds.
Investigations are still ongoing.
DoubleOscar winner Hackman, 95 and Arakawa, 63, had been married for 34 years and led extremely private lives.
They moved to Santa Fe in 1990 after Hackman retired from Hollywood and pursued a career as an author.
Hackman’s last public appearance
Hackman and Arakawa were last spotted in public on March 28, 2024 for a dinner date at Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe.
The actor, remembered for his roles Superman, Unforgiven and French Connection, was pictured walking with a cane and holding onto his wife.
The star underwent surgery for angina
The actor starred in The French Connection (Bettmann/Getty Images)
After a hugely successful career spanning six decades, Hackman retired from the industry in 2004 at the age of 74.
His final roles were in Runaway Jury and Welcome to Mooseport.
Hackman later revealed issues with his health encouraged him to pursue a slower pace of life.
“The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York,” he told Empire in a 2009 interview.
“The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”
Hackman had previously undergone angioplasty surgery, which is where a balloon is inserted to widen blocked arteries.
Hackman wanted to be remembered as ‘a decent actor’
Hackman in 1973 (Evening Standard/Getty Images)
In a 2011 interview with GQ, Hackman, then 81, revealed how he wanted to be remembered.
“As a decent actor,” he began. “As someone who tried to portray what was given to them in an honest fashion.”
Hackman continued: “I don’t know, beyond that. I don’t think about that often, to be honest. I’m at an age where I should think about it.”
Hackman was married once before
Hackman was previously married to Faye Maltese and the couple shared three children together: son Christopher Allen and daughters Leslie Anne and Elizabeth Jean.
They were wed for 30 years before divorcing in 1986.
Hackman and ex-wife Faye Maltese (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Hackman had been candid about his strained relationship with his kids, telling The Irish Independent in 2000: “I couldn’t always be home with them when they were growing up and then, living in California, they’ve had my success always hanging over their heads.”
In his GQ interview, he shed further light on their dynamic.
When asked what advice he would give son Christopher, Hackman responded: “I lost touch with my son in terms of advice early on. Maybe it had to do with being gone so much, doing location films when he was at an age where he needed support and guidance.
“It was very tough for me to be gone for three months and then come home and start bossing him around.”
Arakawa and Hackman’s marriage
Hackman and Arakawa had a 32-year age gap (Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
Hackman and Arakawa began dating in the mid-80s after meeting at the gym where she worked part-time. They had a 32-year age gap.
But the actor was sure to clear up any misconceptions to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel about their relationship overlapping with his marriage to first wife
Unlike his character Harry Mackenzie in 1985’s Twice in a Lifetime, Hackman explained: “By the way, I did not leave my real-life wife for a younger woman.
“We just drifted apart. We lost sight of each other.
“When you work in this business, marriage takes a great deal of work and love.”
Police have confirmed that Hollywood veteran actor Gene Hackman has been found dead in his Santa Fe home.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist, were both found dead at their home. However he did not give information regarding the cause of death.
He said that, at this point, foul play is not suspected and that the dog was found deceased alongside the pair.
Mendoza also did not comment on when the couple might have died when he was asked by reporters.
In a statement he said: “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in 1994 (Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Hackman was known as a legend in Hollywood, most fondly remembered for his role as Lex Luthor in the Superman movie as well as Little Bill Daggett in the Unforgiven and Jimmy Doyle in the French Connection.
The actor was known as being a private individual as well and announced in 2004 that he was retiring from acting. He then proceeded to leave Los Angeles and moved to New Mexico.
At the time he told the press: “I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer. I really don’t want to do it any longer.”
Hackman concluded his acting career with over 100 acting roles, however rumors circulated that this decision to retire was tied to stress.
Hackman and Betsy started dating in the mid 80s and got married in 1991, but clarified that he did not abandon his first wife Faye Maltese for her.
He said: “By the way, I did not leave my real-life wife for a younger woman. We just drifted apart. We lost sight of each other. When you work in this business, marriage takes a great deal of work and love.”
Police have said no foul play is suspected at this point (Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
While details are scarce about Hackman and Betsy Arakawa fans have begun tributing the actor and his wife on social media.
One user on Twitter wrote: “RIP Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa found dead, marking the end of an era in cinema.”
Another said: “Honoring the memory of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa. Their impact on cinema and music will not be forgotten.”
A third added: “That is awful news. Truly one of the best actors Hollywood ever gave us.”
With another commenting: “What a legend left behind a legacy of one of the best movies of our times.”
The reason why Morgan Freeman was only sporting one lone glove at the Oscars has been revealed.
Viewers were left teary eyed after the 87-year-old veteran actor took to the 97th Academy Awards stage on Sunday (February 28) to pay tribute to his dear friend and co-star, Gene Hackman.
Considered one of Hollywood’s greats, Hackman was found dead in his Santa Fe home on Wednesday (February 26) in circumstances the authorities are considering ‘suspicious’.
His wife of more than 30 years, classic pianist Betsy Arakawam, and their pet dog were also found dead on the premises.
Heading up the tributes at the Oscars this year, Freeman reflected on his work alongside Hackman, where the duo starred together in the 1992 classic, Unforgiven, and later joined forces for the 2000 movie, Under Suspicion.
Freeman said the industry ‘lost a giant’ as he went on to praise Hackman’s lasting legacy and talents.
However, while The Shawshank Redemption star kept his hands clasped behind his back for most of the speech, eagle-eyed viewers spotted he was wearing just one black glove on his left hand – and it wasn’t the first time the famous narrator has been seen wearing the mysterious item, either.
In 2023, he similarly sported a singular elbow-length glove while presenting at the Oscars alongside Margot Robbie.
Yet fans have been concerned by the style choice, writing on Twitter: “Why was Morgan Freeman wearing a black glove?”
“Why he got one glove on?” said another. “…Morgan Freeman winter soldier.”
But, far from a fashion faux pas or interesting fashion statement, the real reason Freeman wears the glove comes down to a heartbreaking reason.
The actor had his hands behind his back for most of his speech (Rich Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Back in 2008, the then-71-year-old badly injured himself in a car crash when he swerved off a road near his home in Charleston, Mississipi, which flipped the vehicle.
Freeman had to be cut free from the wreckage and was airlifted more than 100 miles away to a hospital in Memphis.
Upon arriving, it was discovered that he had suffered from multiple broken bones and he spent over four hours in surgery having his arm reset.
Ever since, the Gone Baby Gone actor has been left battling with unbearable shoulder pain and permanent nerve damage, called fibromyalgia, an untreatable condition.
Freeman has been seen several times wearing a glove on his left hand (SBN/Star Max/GC Images)
He says he wears the ‘glove’, which is actually a compression glove, to ease some of the pain.
Speaking about his injury in 2010 to People magazine, Freeman revealed that his injury has never gotten any better
He said: “If you don’t move your hand, it will swell up. Do you know you move your hand about a million times a day?”
He also told Esquire a few years later he continued to suffer paralysis and shooting ‘excruciating’ pain up and down his arm.
