Gene Hackman’s family breaks silence on ’cause of death’ after actor and wife found dead at New Mexico home
Gene Hackman’s family suspect the 95-year-old died of carbon monoxide poisoning, the actor’s daughter has said.
Elizabeth Jean Hackman told TMZ the family thinks “the cause (of death) might be from toxic fumes”.
However, the publication did state that Hackman’s daughter claimed she and family members remained “unsure”.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza found no signs of “foul play” when he spoke to local media but confirmed investigations were ongoing.
TMZ claimed Mendoza said that “gas company and fire department personnel also responded to make sure there were no toxic fumes that would endanger deputies during their search”.
Hackman’s body and that of his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, were found when law enforcement responded to a request for a welfare check at their Santa Fe home on Wednesday.
Mendoza added when speaking to the media: “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”
The sheriff added: “I want to assure the community and neighbourhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone.”
Tributes from far and wide have flooded in since Hackman’s death, with Hollywood stars such as Ray Winstone and George Takei among the mourners.
Hackman enjoyed a distinguished career spanning six decades in Hollywood, receiving two Academy Awards among numerous accolades.
He won his first Oscar for Best Actor as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection (1971) and his second for Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven (1992).
After starring in Welcome to Mooseport in 2004, Hackman retired from acting, confirming in 2008 that his film career was over.
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Hackman received his first Oscar nomination for his supporting role as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (1967).
He was also nominated for his performances in I Never Sang for My Father (1970) and Mississippi Burning (1988).
Among his most acclaimed films were The Conversation (1974), Hoosiers (1986) and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), for which he won a Golden Globe.
Hackman gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of villain Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) and its sequels in 1980 and 1987.
His versatility shone through diverse roles in The Poseidon Adventure (1972), Scarecrow (1973) and The Birdcage (1996).
He demonstrated his range in thrillers like Enemy of the State (1998) and comedies including Get Shorty (1995).
Hackman had been married to Arakawa, a classical pianist, since 1991.
The couple lived a relatively private life in their Santa Fe home, which was featured in Architectural Digest in 1990.
Prior to his marriage to Arakawa, Hackman was married to Faye Maltese for 30 years until their divorce in 1986.
After retirement, Hackman turned to writing, co-authoring three historical fiction novels with Daniel Lenihan and publishing two solo works.
He remained active in his later years, enjoying cycling and attending cultural events in Santa Fe.
In 2003, Hackman received the Cecil B DeMille Award for his outstanding contribution to entertainment.
His legacy as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and respected actors remains secure.