Gas leak ruled out in death of legend Gene Hackman, wife, dog in their home
The deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife, Betsy Arakawa and their dog were not due to a gas leak, authorities in New Mexico have revealed.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office in a statement quoted the New Mexico Gas Company stating that there were “no significant findings” in its extensive investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide at the couple’s home.
The company said, however, it found one “miniscule leak” at one of the stove top burners and four code enforcement violations for installation of lighters for a water heater and fireplaces during its investigation on February 26, according to the statement.
“Those results are not believed to be a factor in the deaths of Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa or their dog,” the sheriff’s office noted.
The office said it had relayed the information to the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Hackman and Arakawa, alongside their dog, were found dead inside their New Mexico home in circumstances officials earlier deemed “suspicious enough” to warrant a thorough investigation.
The causes of death of Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa are not known yet.
No sign of external trauma was found on the bodies of the couple, and there were no immediate signs of foul play, according to preliminary autopsies and officials.
The authorities also said there were also no immediate signs of a carbon monoxide or natural gas leak.
Both late acting legend and his wife tested negative for carbon monoxide, likely ruling it out as a potential cause of death, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said.
