Gene Hackman’s Family Addresses Speculation About His Cause Of Death

Hollywood is mourning the loss of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, after the couple was found dead in their New Mexico home.

Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy in cinema, remembered for his unforgettable performances in films such as "The French Connection," "The Conversation," "Unforgiven," and "Superman.

According to the family, carbon monoxide poisoning may have been the cause, though an official determination has yet to be made.

Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, spoke to TMZ, revealing that while the family is not certain, they suspect toxic fumes were responsible for the tragedy. Law enforcement officials found no immediate signs of foul play, but Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that deputies are still investigating and have not ruled anything out.

The couple’s home, built in 2000, was considered fairly modern, and it remains unclear whether there were any reported gas leaks or previous service calls related to the property.

Sheriff Mendoza stated that deputies, alongside gas company and fire department personnel, conducted a thorough safety inspection at the residence to ensure there were no lingering toxic fumes that could endanger investigators.

Hackman and Arakawa were discovered in their Santa Fe Summit home on February 26, along with one of their three dogs, after a concerned neighbor requested a welfare check.

Elizabeth Hackman shared insights into her father’s final years, revealing that he and Arakawa had been living in New Mexico since he retired from Hollywood in 2004.

Since stepping away from the spotlight, Hackman embraced a quiet life dedicated to painting. She also disclosed that her father’s favorite film from his celebrated career was "The French Connection," the 1971 thriller that earned him his first Academy Award.

While she did not comment on his health, Hackman was seen in a rare public outing on March 28, 2024, walking with a cane while holding his wife’s hand for support.

News of Hackman’s passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many of his former colleagues and admirers paying tribute to his remarkable legacy.

“Gene Hackman was my favorite actor, as I think I told him every day we worked together on 'The Birdcage',” actor Nathan Lane said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “Getting to watch him up close, it was easy to see why he was one of our greatest. You could never catch him acting. Simple and true, thoughtful and soulful, with just a hint of danger. He was as brilliant in comedy as he was in drama, and thankfully his film legacy will live on forever."

"It was a tremendous privilege to get to share the screen with him and remains one of my fondest memories," he added. "Rest in peace, Mr. Hackman.”

Actress Valerie Perrine, who starred alongside Hackman in "Superman" (1978), also honored the late actor in a heartfelt social media post.

“The great Gene Hackman has passed away. He was a genius & one of the greatest to grace the silver screen. I had the honor of working with him on 'Superman',” she wrote, referencing Hackman’s iconic role as the villain Lex Luthor. “His performances are legendary. His talent will be missed. Goodbye my sweet Lex. Till we meet again.”

Gene Hackman was one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, known for his commanding screen presence and versatility across a career that spanned more than four decades.

Born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Hackman initially pursued a career in journalism before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

His passion for acting led him to study at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he befriended fellow aspiring actor Dustin Hoffman.

Despite early struggles and being labeled "least likely to succeed" by his acting instructors, Hackman persevered and eventually made his film debut in "Lilith." His breakout role came in "Bonnie and Clyde," where he played Buck Barrow, earning his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

He continued to deliver critically acclaimed performances in films like "The Poseidon Adventure," "The Conversation," and "Night Moves," showcasing his ability to inhabit complex, morally ambiguous characters.

RIP Gene Hackman.