Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their lifeless dog was also discovered by the authorities. Investigation is currently ongoing, but at the moment, they don’t believe that there’s foul play.
Hackman was 95, and Arakawa was 63, both accomplished in their fields. The actor was known for his roles in Bonnie and Clyde, The Conversation, and Unforgiven. He had a career spanning over six decades and was a recipient of various prestigious accolades. His wife was a classical pianist.
Fans speculate Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa tragically died of carbon monoxide poisoning
The news about Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa left the fans in utter shock, especially with the actor’s legacy in Hollywood as a versatile star who had appeared in numerous films. His passing left a huge dent in the world of acting, and many of his colleagues were devastated by the loss.
As per BBC, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office released a statement confirming the deaths of the couple and their pet dog:
On 26 February 2025, at approximately 1:45pm, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and a dog were found deceased.
Since investigation is still ongoing, fans can only speculate as to the cause of the tragedy. With three casualties on the scene, a bunch of netizens suspected that it could be carbon monoxide poisoning. Read their tweets below:
Gas leak or carbon monoxide? That’s my only guess on what could get even the poor doggy too and not be foul play at the same time.
— A Mithra Is Fine Too (@Mithra_Is_Fine) February 27, 2025
No foul play but could very well be something like carbon monoxide poisoning. Very sad.
Reminds people to check safety sensors around the home.
— Lary Holland (@laryholland) February 27, 2025
That sounds like carbon monoxide poisoning.
— God’s Soldier~ (@NYCxVILLAIN) February 27, 2025
I hate to speculate, but I’m reading these obits and thinking it was carbon monoxide poisoning. Check your alarms, friends.
— Stuart Allard (@heystu818) February 27, 2025
Sounds like carbon monoxide poisoning. Their dog died as well.
— Ott (@Ottstorage) February 27, 2025
So far, this is the guess of the majority, but until an official announcement is released, fans should take these speculations with a grain of salt.
Dayle Haddon also died of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning
Death by carbon monoxide poisoning happens more frequently than we know, and a similar case reportedly happened with 76-year-old model and actress Dayle Haddon just last year. According to NBC News, a concerned resident reached out to report that a man passed out on the first floor of a suite, and after the police responded, they discovered the body of a dead woman on the second floor.
Investigation claimed to have found a high level of carbon monoxide inside the home. Even two of the medics who responded were exposed and hospitalized.
In the case of Hackman and Arakawa, it is highly possible that they suffered from a similar situation which caused their sudden deaths.
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