Elizabeth told TMZ that the family suspects toxic fumes inside the home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, behind Gene, Betsy & their dog’s death
Gene Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth Gene Hackman revealed that her father and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, are likely to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Authorities confirmed that the couple, along with their dog, were found dead at least a day after passing, which led to further investigation. Elizabeth told TMZ that the family suspects toxic fumes inside the home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, behind Gene, Betsy & their dog’s death.
While talking to People.com, daughters Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman and granddaughter Annie said that they are “devastated by the loss” of Gene Hackman.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss,” shared a statement to the portal.
According to the search warrant affidavit, a maintenance worker reported that the home’s front door was open when he arrived to do routine work Wednesday, and he called police after finding the bodies.
But in a 911 call, the maintenance worker said he was unable to get inside when the operator asked whether the people in the house were breathing.
“I have no idea,” the subdivision’s caretaker said. “I am not inside the house. It’s closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in. But I can see she’s laying down on the floor from the window.”
He and another worker later told authorities that they rarely saw the homeowners and their last contact with them had been about two weeks ago.
Hackman appeared to have fallen, a deputy observed. A cane was nearby.