After the bodies of both Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found on Wednesday, February 26, their deaths were deemed "suspicious." This triggered a lot of speculation online and theories on what could have caused their deaths. Reports reveal that there was a gas leak at the couple's home. However, the leak has not been linked to their deaths.
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As per the New York Post, the theory that the gas leak killed both Hackman and Arakawa has been extensively discussed online. Mainly, Hackman's daughter, Elizabeth Jean, stated that the couple might have died due to "toxic fumes."
However, a Santa Fe gas company, the New Mexico Gas Company, conducted an investigation at the mansion to detect any gas leaks and the presence of carbon monoxide. They were unable to make "no significant findings," according to the Santa Fe Sheriff's Department. The company did find a gas leak, but it was insignificant. Reportedly, the company registered a 0.33% presence of gas in the air, which is not considered to be fatal.
Said 0.33% leak was red-tagged by the gas company, finding the leak at a stove burner, according to The Independent. "The other four red tags were for code enforcement violations — not involving gas leaks or carbon monoxide — involving a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces," a press release issued by the sheriff's department reads.
Hackman And Arakawa
Following the discovery of the bodies, authorities found no signs of foul play. They believe that Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa died weeks before they were found. Reportedly, Hackman's pacemaker's last recorded cardiac event dates to February 17, which is the potential date of his death.
The investigations have yet to determine whether Hackman and Arakawa died at the same time or not.
"There's no indication that anybody was moving about the house or doing anything different," Adam Mendoza, Santa Fe County Sheriff, said during a press conference. "So, it's very hard to determine if they both passed at the same time or how close they passed together."
Two cell phones, two bottles of medication, and a bottle of Tylenol were found at the scene. A forensic expert, Dr. Michael Baden, theorized what might have happened to the couple. In an interview with Fox Report, Baden said that Arakawa might have died after falling in their home's bathroom. Baden stated that she was possibly rushing to get Hackman's heart medication after he suffered his cardiac event.
