The world is grieving the passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman, who was found dead in his Santa Fe home on Wednesday. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their beloved dog were also discovered deceased, adding to the heartbreaking loss.
Hackman, 95, lived a long and remarkable life, but the sudden and unexpected passing of his wife, Betsy, 63, has left many unanswered questions.
Possible Cause of Death Under Investigation
Speaking to TMZ, Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, revealed that the family suspects carbon monoxide poisoning may have been the cause. “The house is fairly modern, built in 2000,” Elizabeth explained. “We don’t know if there were any gas leaks or if there had been any recent service calls.”
Authorities were alerted when a concerned neighbor requested a welfare check. Upon entering the home, deputies found the bodies and were soon joined by gas company and fire department personnel, who worked to ensure there were no lingering toxic fumes that could endanger others.
A Hollywood Icon’s Quiet Retirement
Despite the sorrow surrounding his passing, Elizabeth shared insight into her father’s peaceful life in retirement. After leaving Hollywood in 2004, Hackman and Arakawa settled in New Mexico, where he pursued painting. She also revealed that his favorite film from his career was The French Connection, the role that cemented his place among Hollywood’s greatest actors.
Over the span of four decades, Hackman starred in more than 70 films, earning critical acclaim for his performances. In 2009, he revealed that his decision to retire stemmed from a stress test that raised concerns among his doctors.
“The final straw was actually a stress test I took in New York,” he told Empire. “The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape to handle any more stress.”
Although Elizabeth did not speak directly about her father’s health in recent years, she recalled one of his rare public appearances last March, where he was seen walking with a cane, supported by Betsy.
Investigation Continues, No Foul Play Suspected
As of now, authorities have found no signs of foul play, but Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that all possibilities remain under review as the investigation continues.
Hackman and Arakawa had been married since 1991, sharing more than three decades together. Hackman, who celebrated his 95th birthday in January, had sparked concern among fans following a public sighting last year, where he appeared frail.
A towering figure in cinema, Hackman built a storied career, quietly stepping away from acting in the late 2000s. In a 2004 interview with Larry King, he hinted at his departure, stating he had no future productions planned.
A Lasting Legacy
The loss of Gene Hackman, along with his wife and their cherished pet, leaves an undeniable void in the world of film and in the hearts of those who admired his work.
As the Hackman family continues to mourn, they remain determined to find answers regarding the tragedy that took their loved ones.
