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.
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Hackman and Arakawa at the DW Griffith Awards in New York City in February 1992Credit: Getty
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Gene Hackman and Arakawa in 1986 in Los Angeles
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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.
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Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa pictured with their dogs in 2014Credit: PetFinder
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Gene Hackman Film: The Hunting Party 16 July 1971
