The sudden deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, have left family members searching for answers as authorities continue their investigation.
Leslie Anne Allen, Hackman's youngest daughter, spoke exclusively about the ongoing investigation into her father and stepmother's deaths at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. The couple, along with one of their dogs, were discovered deceased on February 26 after a neighbor requested a welfare check.
"I think I'm very anxious to find out what happened," Allen, 58, told reporters. She noted that the exact timeline of the deaths remains unclear, with authorities confirming the bodies had been there for at least a day before discovery.
While initial reports indicated no foul play, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office has since classified the deaths as "suspicious" and launched a thorough investigation. A search warrant revealed concerning details - Arakawa was found in a state of decomposition near a space heater, while Hackman was discovered fully clothed in a separate room.
Allen shared that carbon monoxide poisoning was initially considered as a potential cause, given that one of the couple's dogs was also found deceased. However, fire department officials reported no signs of carbon monoxide leaks during their inspection.
"I much would have rather my dad pass peacefully," Allen stated, expressing hope that if carbon monoxide was involved, there was no suffering.
The family, including Hackman's other children Christopher and Elizabeth, are awaiting clearance from authorities before traveling to New Mexico. In a joint statement, they remembered the Oscar-winning actor as simply "Dad and Grandpa" despite his illustrious Hollywood career.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine the exact cause of death for both Hackman and Arakawa, who had been married since 1991.