Sheriff: Carbon Monoxide Not a Factor in Gene Hackman and Wife’s Deaths

Authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning in the shocking deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, as investigators continue searching for answers.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed Friday that toxicology results showed no signs of carbon monoxide exposure, dismissing an early theory about what may have caused their deaths. Hackman is believed to have passed away on Feb. 17—nine days before the couple was discovered—based on data from his pacemaker, though the exact date of Arakawa’s death remains unclear.

The couple was found unresponsive in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday during a welfare check. Hackman was discovered lying on the floor in the mudroom, while Arakawa was found in the bathroom near a space heater. An open prescription bottle with scattered pills was located on the counter near her body. A German shepherd was also found dead in a crate, though two other dogs in the home survived.

Authorities say there were no signs of forced entry, theft, or external trauma, though the deaths were deemed “suspicious enough in nature” to warrant a full investigation. Additional toxicology reports and autopsy results, which could take months to complete, will help determine the cause of death.