The world has been struck with sorrow following the unexpected passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman, who was found deceased in his Santa Fe home last Wednesday. Along with Hackman, his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog also tragically passed away. Hackman, who was 95, had enjoyed a long and illustrious life, but the sudden loss of his younger wife, Betsy, who was just 63, has left many questions unanswered.

This heartbreaking incident has left the family in mourning, and now, Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, has spoken out about her thoughts on what might have led to the tragic deaths. While the family is still uncertain about the exact cause, they suspect carbon monoxide poisoning could have played a role. Elizabeth shared her concerns in an interview with TMZ, stating, “The house is fairly modern, built in 2000, but we don’t know if there were any issues with gas leaks or if there were any recent service calls to the property.”

The authorities responded quickly after a neighbor raised the alarm, requesting a welfare check on the property. When deputies arrived, they discovered the bodies of Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog. The local gas company and fire department personnel were called in to ensure that there were no toxic fumes lingering that might pose a risk to anyone nearby. Though the family is devastated by their loss, Elizabeth emphasized that her father had been living a peaceful retirement. After retiring from Hollywood in 2004, Gene and Betsy settled in New Mexico, where Hackman pursued a quieter life centered around painting.

Gene Hackman had a long and celebrated career in film, appearing in over 70 movies, but he was perhaps most famous for his role in The French Connection, which earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his place as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors. His daughter revealed that The French Connection was Gene’s favorite film, a role he held dear to his heart throughout his life.

Hackman, whose illustrious career spanned four decades, made his decision to retire from acting quietly in the mid-2000s. In 2009, he explained in an interview that a stress test he took in New York had raised concerns about his heart health, which played a role in his decision to step away from the spotlight. “The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York,” Hackman told Empire at the time. “The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.” While Elizabeth did not comment on her father’s specific health issues, she recalled a rare public appearance just last March, where Gene was seen walking with a cane, with Betsy by his side, providing support.

As of now, the investigation into the deaths is ongoing. Authorities have not found any signs of foul play, but the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office, led by Sheriff Adan Mendoza, has kept an open mind and continues to explore all possibilities in their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss. Despite the grief the family is experiencing, they remain committed to discovering the truth behind what happened.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa had been married since 1991, enjoying a long and happy life together. Gene celebrated his 95th birthday just this past January, but a public appearance last year had fans expressing concern about his health, as he appeared frail. Hackman had long stepped away from the limelight after his final acting roles, having hinted in a 2004 interview with Larry King that he had no future projects lined up.

Over the course of his remarkable career, Hackman earned an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and numerous other accolades, becoming one of the most respected actors in the history of Hollywood. His body of work includes iconic roles in films such as Unforgiven, The Conversation, and Hoosiers, with his contributions to cinema spanning a wide range of genres.

His unexpected death, alongside the loss of his wife and beloved dog, has created a profound void in the world of film and left a lasting impact on the hearts of his many admirers. As the family grieves, they continue to search for answers to help bring closure to this devastating tragedy.

The Hackman family’s journey through this difficult time remains a deeply personal one, and they hope to find clarity and understanding in the midst of their sorrow. Although Gene Hackman’s contributions to film will be cherished for generations, this loss is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of family in moments of crisis. The world mourns not only the loss of an extraordinary actor but also the end of a chapter in the rich history of American cinema. The Hackman family’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind this sad event serves as a testament to their desire for answers and their dedication to honoring the memory of Gene, Betsy, and their beloved dog.