Gas leak FOUND in Gene Hackman’s mansion…but ‘it couldn’t have killed star, wife & dog’ as mystery drags on

The couple had seemingly been dead for over a week when they were tragically discovered

A GAS leak was found in Gene Hackman’s mansion – but it was “minuscule” and couldn’t have killed the star, his wife or dog.

Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, were found dead alongside one of their beloved dogs on February 26.

A man and woman at an event.
5

Hackman and Arakawa at the DW Griffith Awards in New York City in February 1992Credit: Getty

Portrait of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa.
5

Gene Hackman and Arakawa in 1986 in Los Angeles

Illustration of Gene Hackman and his wife's $3.8 million home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they were found dead.
5

Following thorough investigation, the New Mexico Gas Company made “no significant findings” of gas leaks or carbon monoxide in the home, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to the Daily Mail.

But the gas company did issue five “red tags” – including one for the minor leak at the stove burner which registered “0.03 per cent gas in the air”.

But this is considered to “not be a lethal amount”.

Police said: “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.”

The longtime couple’s bodies were discovered by a neighborhood caretaker who placed a frantic 911 call after seeing the dead pair unmoving through the windows of their sprawling mansion.

However, there were no obvious wounds on either of them, launching an investigation into the mysterious deaths as they had seemingly been dead for over a week.

Arakawa had signs of mummification on her hands and feet, cops said in a search warrant after they found her lying in the bathroom of her home with pills from an open prescription bottle scattered on the counter.

The classical pianist was found 10 to 15 feet away from one of the couple’s three dogs, deceased, which cops noted as bizarre as the other two dogs were found alive and healthy in the house.

The dog found dead in the bathroom of the couple’s home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was 12-year-old Zinna, a reddish Australian Kelpie mixed breed, according to USA Today.

However, cops first named the dog as the couple’s German Shepherd Bear.
Gene Hackman died ‘nine days’ before he was found with wife Betsy Arakawa by neighbours who ‘saw bodies through window’

HEARTBREAKING MYSTERY

Cops found the beloved actor and his wife in their home on the afternoon of February 26.

Officials later found the couple had likely been dead for over nine days after Hackman’s last recorded activity on his Pacemaker was on February 17.

Cops found Hackman in a mudroom with his cane and sunglasses near his body.

Police noted the legendary actor looked like he fell to the ground suddenly.

Gene Hackman’s family’s full statement

Gene Hackman’s family has spoken out on the actor’s death after he was found dead with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in their Santa Fe home.

Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, and his granddaughter, Annie, released the statement.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy,” Elizabeth, Leslie, and Annie Hackman said.

“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.”

Hackman’s three children from his first marriage released a statement in the wake of the actor’s death.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy,” Hackman’s daughters and granddaughter said in a statement.

“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.”

Hackman was a two-time Oscar winner and five-time nominee after an impressive career spanning four decades.

Hackman and Arakawa’s causes of death have not yet been determined.

SFCSO Sheriff Adam Mendoza said it could take months to reveal the actual cause of death.

Couple posing with two German Shepherds.
5

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa pictured with their dogs in 2014Credit: PetFinder

Gene Hackman in a cowboy hat on the set of *The Hunting Party*.
5

Gene Hackman Film: The Hunting Party 16 July 1971

Related Posts

Prince Harry’s secret visa files released – but key question remains over drug use

The conservative Heritage Foundation had campaigned to have Prince Harry’s Visa application released after he admitted to taking cocaine, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms A US judge has…

Zara McDermott shakes off Sam Thompson dig as she ‘moves fast’ with Louis Tomlinson

Zara McDermott was recently spotted on a date with Louis Tomlinson as pals have claimed the pair are ‘moving fast’ but are ‘happy’ for them – while…

Paddy McGuinness puts lavish £6.5m home on the market as Christine ‘desperate’ to move on

Christine McGuinness is said to be feeling ‘desperate’ to start a fresh as her estranged husband Paddy McGuinness has put their former marital home up for sale…

Victoria Beckham confirms part in Jennifer Aniston’s ex Justin Theroux’s wedding

Victoria Beckham confirmed she had a huge role in Jennifer Aniston’s ex-husband Justin Theroux’s wedding to Nicole Brydon Bloom Victoria Beckham confirms part in Jennifer Aniston’s ex…

Celebrity Big Brother star Bradley Riches joins Emmerdale in mysterious new role

Celebrity Big Brother star and Heartstopper actor Bradley Riches has joined the cast of Emmerdale in a mysterious new role, with the scenes set to debut in…

Coleen Nolan interrupts Loose Women co-star to take swipe at ex-husband

Loose Women took an awkward turn on Tuesday when Coleen Nolan made a savage Alfie Moon comment Loose Women: Coleen asks Charlene about her first child’s name…