Carbon monoxide poisoning ruled out in Gene Hackman and wife's deaths as they were likely dead for weeks

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: The investigation into the mysterious deaths of two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has taken a dramatic turn, shifting the focus on the leading cause of death. 

After the couple was found dead in their $3.8 million mansion, early reports suspected the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, new statements from the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department ruled out the theory.

Notably, early findings suggest that the couple may have been deceased for "nine days" before their bodies were discovered. 

Sheriff shares update on alleged carbon monoxide poisoning in Gene Hackman and wife’s deaths

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated on Friday, February 28, that although it could take months before the final autopsy findings are revealed, the pathologist from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator had expedited some tests and informed him that Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa had tested negative for carbon monoxide.

Mendoza said in a statement that Hackman probably died on February 17, noting that was the date of the last recorded "event" on his pacemaker. That is believed to have been Hackman's "last day of life," and added that it is still unclear when Arakawa died.

"The investigation is still ongoing, and we are awaiting further details from the final autopsy and toxicology reports, which may take months to complete," Mendoza said according to Deadline.

The theory of carbon monoxide poisoning was initially proposed by Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, who said that the family believes toxic fumes may have caused their deaths.

Officials have also warned that it could be some time before any official updates on the cause of Hackman's tragic death are released.

While authorities have stated that there is no suspicion of foul play, they have yet to provide any official answers and are not ruling out the possibility entirely.

What did doctor say about Gene Hackman and his wife's deaths from carbon monoxide?

After Gene Hackman's daughter reported carbon monoxide poisoning, forensic expert and Fox News contributor Dr Michael Baden stated that the couple's deaths were "typical" for carbon monoxide poisoning, as per The US Sun.

Speaking on Thursday morning, he explained, "When a car motor engine is left on…and it isn’t properly turned off, carbon monoxide comes out of the exhaust and goes into the house. Dogs, or any other type of animal, and humans die. They don’t feel any type of pain, they don’t know anything’s wrong. It’s silent. Carbon Monoxide is painless, and they just go to sleep."

However, after the toxicology report, Baden pointed out carbon monoxide can be ruled out since it can dissipate from the environment but not from a body.

Following the couple’s death, Hackman’s family released a statement to the New York Post on Thursday, saying, "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."