Gene Hackman’s daughter speaks out with suspicion he and wife 'died of carbon monoxide poisoning'

Hollywood veteran Gene Hackman's daughter has shared her thoughts on the cause of death of her father and stepmom Betsy Arakawa, after the pair were found dead at home.

The bodies of the 95-year-old and his classical pianist partner were discovered at their home in the Santa Fe Summit community northeast of the city, in New Mexico, yesterday evening (26 February), with officials stating there is no indication of foul play.

Now, Elizabeth Jean Hackman has told TMZ that she is not sure how the pair died but believes it could be related to toxic fumes, suspecting the cause of death to be carbon monoxide poisoning.

The publication also reported how Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza told the outlet that their corpses were discovered after officers visited their home to perform a welfare check, with a gas company and the fire department also attending, after a neighbor flagged concerns.

Actor Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa pose for a portrait in 1986 in Los Angeles, California (Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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'.

Mendoza also confirmed the deaths of Hackman, the 63-year-old and their pet dog during a statement yesterday.

"All I can say is that we're in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant," he said.

"I want to assure the community and neighbourhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone.”

Hackman grips an Oscar at the 1993 Academy Awards (Avalon/Getty Images)

Mendoza did not comment on how or when the couple died.

Hackman was known as a legend in Hollywood, most fondly remembered for his role as Lex Luthor in the Superman along with roles in Unforgiven and The French Connection.

Hackman announced in 2004 that he was retiring from acting, opting to leave Los Angeles and moved to New Mexico.

Betsy and Hackman pictured together in 1992 (Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

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."

He concluded his acting career with over 100 acting roles, with his decision to retire linked to stress and health concerns.

Their tragic passing comes just under a year since Hackman and Betsy were last spotted in public on March 28, 2024, for a dinner date at Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe.