Gene Hackman Death: No Significant Gas, Carbon Monoxide Leaks Found in Expanded Probe

The tragic mystery surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, deepens as investigators report no significant findings of gas or carbon monoxide leaks in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home. Nearly a week after their bodies were discovered, authorities are still piecing together what led to the couple’s deaths.

According to a press release from the New Mexico Gas Company, extensive checks on February 26 found only a minuscule gas leak—a mere 0.33% gas in the air—at one of the stove burners. Hardly enough to be lethal. However, four code violations were flagged, including issues with a water heater and gas log lighters in three fireplaces. None of these were related to gas leaks or carbon monoxide.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff, Adan Mendoza, confirmed last Friday that both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide. Their secluded home was cleared by the Santa Fe Fire Department and gas company officials, who found no evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning or pipe malfunctions.

The couple, along with one of their three beloved dogs, Zinfandel (affectionately called Zinna), were discovered deceased on February 26. Zinna, who was 12, was the oldest of their canine companions, as shared by their longtime dog trainer.

Arakawa’s body was found in the bathroom, with pills scattered on the counter and a space heater nearby. Officers noted "obvious signs of death," including bloating and mummification. Hackman was found in the mudroom, accompanied by a cane and sunglasses. He too showed similar signs.

Authorities have labeled the deaths as "suspicious" and are conducting a reverse timeline investigation, starting from the autopsy results and working backward to piece together events leading up to the tragedy. Sheriff Mendoza explained during a news conference that such an approach is necessary due to the apparent time gap between the deaths and the discovery of the bodies.

While the exact causes of death remain undisclosed, investigators believe the couple had been dead for over a week before they were found. The absence of immediate answers only adds to the heartbreak and intrigue surrounding this case.

For now, the world remembers Hackman, a legendary actor whose talent graced countless screens, and Arakawa, a gifted pianist. The couple’s quiet life in Santa Fe has been shattered by a puzzle that demands resolution.