Gene Hackman’s daughter has broken her silence following her father’s death, stating that he may have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with their dog on Wednesday afternoon, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

Authorities have launched an active investigation but do not currently suspect foul play. Detectives also discovered two surviving dogs at Hackman’s residence.

A statement from the police, shared with the media, read:

"On 26th February 2025, at approximately 1:45 pm, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park, where Gene Hackman, 95, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and a dog were found deceased.

Foul play is not suspected as a factor in these deaths at this time; however, the exact cause of death has not yet been determined. This remains an active and ongoing investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office."

Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told TMZ that while the exact cause remains unknown, the family believes toxic fumes may have been responsible.

A Legendary Career in Hollywood

Hackman was married twice, with his most recent marriage to retired classical pianist Betsy Arakawa. He had three children—Christopher, Leslie Ann, and Elizabeth—from his first marriage to Faye Maltese.

A celebrated figure in the film industry, Hackman’s illustrious six-decade career earned him two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, four Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) paid tribute to Hackman, describing him as a “much-celebrated actor” with an “illustrious career”.

He won Best Actor at the Oscars and BAFTAs for his iconic role as Detective Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Doyle in the 1971 action thriller The French Connection. Hackman later secured Best Supporting Actor awards at both ceremonies for his performance in the 1992 Western Unforgiven, directed by Clint Eastwood.

From Military Service to Hollywood Stardom

Born in California in 1930, Hackman left home at 16 to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a field radio operator and broadcast journalist from 1947 to 1952.

He later studied journalism and television production at the University of Illinois, but ultimately chose to pursue acting.

After several television and theatre roles, Hackman gained widespread recognition for his performance in 1967’s Bonnie and Clyde, starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. The role earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Further Academy Award nominations followed for his roles in 1970’s I Never Sang for My Father and the 1988 thriller Mississippi Burning.

Hackman also became a fan favourite for his portrayal of Lex Luthor, the infamous supervillain in the 1978 Superman film, starring Christopher Reeve as Superman and Marlon Brando as Jor-El. He reprised the role in the sequels Superman II (1980) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987).