Actor Gene Hackman, 95, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home last week. Authorities are investigating the incident, but one of Hackman’s daughters has made her theory known about what may have happened to her father. Gene had never suffered a broken bone or had any serious health issues despite getting up there in age. The discovery has left family members puzzled and grieving, and fans are both mourning the loss of the icon and trying to unravel the mystery themselves. Known for roles in classics like “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven”, Gene Hackman was a legend of the industry.
A Puzzling Scene
When authorities got to Gene Hackman’s $5.3 million mansion, the scene prompted them to label the circumstances as “suspicious” in nature. Reports state that Hackman was found near the kitchen while his wife was in the bathroom, a bottle of pills and their dog a few feet away. There were also no signs of physical trauma, or any kind of struggle. Leslie Hackman, Gene’s youngest daughter, spoke to reporters and said a neighbor had called the police after not hearing from Arakawa “in a couple weeks.” If the concerned neighbour hadn’t called, who knows how long before a welfare check would have uncovered the scene.
The front door was found unlocked and ajar, and another dog was running free on the property when authorities arrived. There was also a bathroom heater that had been moved from its original spot, which prompted investigators to get a proper search warrant to thoroughly look through the home. Despite all of these suspicious clues, authorities couldn’t definitely say any foul play was involved, leaving fans and family members alike with a confusing narrative. What possibly could have happened in Gene Hackman’s home? He’d remained physically active well into his 90s.
Carbon Monoxide Theory Emerges
Elizabeth Hackman, Gene’s middle child, has suggested that carbon monoxide poisoning may be the culprit. The theory that does fit when you consider neither victim had broken bones or signs of any physical struggle. “I much would have rather my dad pass peacefully, but hopefully if it was carbon monoxide poisoning [there was] no suffering with that. That’s my main concern,” Leslie Hackman added. But both the fire brigade and gas company were unable to confirm this theory, and the New Mexico gas company reported that, “As of now, there are no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated to the pipes in and around the residence.” There are reports suggesting that Gene’s wife may have passed earlier than he did – with her body showed signs of decomposition, “bloating in her face and mummification in her hands and feet.” However, those details haven’t been officially confirmed by authorities.
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A Physically Active Life Until the End
Despite being 95, Hackman had kept in remarkable physical health according to his daughter Leslie, who emphasized that Gene had never had a broken bone and had no mobility issues – something most people his age would deal with. “Despite his age, he was in very good physical condition,” she told reporters, adding, “He liked to do Pilates and yoga, and he was continuing to do that several times a week. So, he was in good health.” This lifestyle was clearly important to the Oscar-winning actor. He was seen at a public event about a year before his passing using a cane, but the man was in his mid-90s, so let’s cut him some slack.
Leslie also acknowledged that while her father’s physical health was pristine, “his memory was fading.” During his recent birthday celebration, “his wife had to remind him three times it was his birthday,” so there was some cognitive decline creeping in despite his physically good condition. The couple lived a relatively private life after Hackman’s retirement in 2004, and Gene had mentioned in previous interviews that he valued his health and had done well to avoid injuries that might have limited him in his later years.
The Hackman family did release a statement saying, “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.” As investigations continue, fans and family wait for answers. The actor had remained physically resilient throughout his life, and never seemed to allow age to break his spirit – or his body. And while time inevitably caught up with him in other ways, the jury is still out regarding exactly what happened. There are currently no announced plans for a memorial service, and are likely waiting for authorities to finish their investigation so they can properly grieve.
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