COPS investigating the mysterious death of Gene Hackman and his wife have made a major u-turn on the leading cause of death theory.

The two-time Oscar winner, 95, was found dead alongside wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, and their dog in their plush $3.8 million mansion.

The pair’s bodies were found in separate rooms – and authorities believe they may have been dead for weeks before their bodies were discovered.

It was initially feared that the couple may have died due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Santa Fe Sheriff’s deputies soon rejected it as they confirmed there were no signs of either carbon monoxide in the air or a gas leak.

However, in a new twist of events, Santa Fe’s fire chief Brian Moya has today refused to rule out carbon monoxide poisoning as the couple’s cause of death.
Authorities tested the gas lines in and around the home and said there were no signs of a gas-related issue, according to an official warrant.

Speaking to TODAY, the fire chief agreed that any poisonous gas could have potentially dissipated by the time their bodies were discovered.

The carbon monoxide theory was first put up by the legendary actor’s daughter Elizabeth Jean Hackman.

She told TMZ that the family strongly believes the couple may have had carbon monoxide poisoning from toxic fumes.
Meanwhile, officials have warned that any official update on the cause of Hackman’s tragic death may still take a painfully long time to emerge.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adam Mendoza admitted that it could take months to reveal the actual cause of death.

He said that the toxicology report – which would be key to determine the cause of death – could take up to 3 months or even more to come out.

Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, told The Sun confirmation from the medical examiner’s office could still take anywhere between four to six weeks.

Police have said they don’t suspect any foul play was at hand, but have been unable to provide any official answers as of yet – and are not ruling it out entirely.

Investigators said they did not find a suicide note and there were no blatant signs of trauma to their bodies.

A heartbreaking 911 audio captured the moment a caretaker discovered the bodies of Gene and Betsy on Wednesday afternoon.
Deputies rushed to the couple’s mansion at around Wednesday afternoon and saw both of their bodies, which had been dead for some time.

Cops have now labelled their deaths “suspicious” because the door to their home was found open but there was no sign of forced entry, according to the affidavit.

A Santa Fe detective reportedly said a dead woman, believed to be Betsy, was found in a state of decomposition.

Cops said she was found near a prescription bottle “opened with pills scattered on the counter-top” and “no obvious signs of a gas leak”.

This investigator added that Gene was found fully clothed, with his sunglasses next to his body, in a wet room, suggesting he could have fallen suddenly.

Some key mysteries are still plaguing investigators after early autopsy reports on the couple appear to have left more questions than answers.

A close pal of the Oscar-winning star has now revealed that his wife put him on a “strict” health regime.

Doug Lanham, a close friend and former business partner, told TMZ that a health-conscious Betsy made sure Gene was “eating right” and was always following a lean diet plan.

He added: “Betsy took it so seriously, Doug says Gene was only able to sneak a cheat meal when they were out golfing.”

Hackman was last seen publicly with Betsy in March 2024 at a restaurant in Santa Fe.

He appeared frail as he used a cane and grabbed onto his wife’s arm for support when walking.

The couple were on a dinner date in Santa Fe, New Mexico, heading into Pappadeaux’s restaurant.

The Hollywood legend had celebrated his 94th birthday just weeks before his last pictures were taken.

Earlier in the day, the couple were also seen visiting a local Speedway store, where Gene bought a cup of coffee and an apple pie.

In a statement, Gene Hackman’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy.

“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.

“Elizabeth, Leslie and Annie Hackman.”

Heartbroken daughters Elizabeth and Leslie were seen grabbing breakfast together at a Denny’s restaurant on Thursday morning.
Gene’s youngest daughter revealed she hadn’t spoken to her dad for months before his tragic death.

Leslie, 59, has lived in California for some time and said the long distance between her home and Gene’s New Mexico mansion meant they hadn’t seen each other recently.