Gene Hackman and wife 'did not die of carbon monoxide poisoning' as 'suspicious' death investigation continues

Gene Hackman's daughter's belief that her father and his wife Betsy Arakawa died from carbon monoxide poisoning has been debunked by police.

Hollywood actor Gene and his wife Betsy's deaths are still an active investigation, but Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, told press 24 hours after they were discovered that "both individuals tested negative for carbon monoxide".

Elizabeth Jean Hackman told TMZ that she believed their death was due to toxic fumes. 

New Mexico Gas Company tested gas lines in and around the home after the bodies were discovered, according to a search warrant, and no signs of problems were found.

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The Sheriff also confirmed that they believe Gene and Betsy were dead for at least nine days before they went found, with tests on Gene's pacemaker showing that he was alive on February 17 when a “last event” was recorded.

Sheriff Mendoza continued: “Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual. The manner and cause of death has not been determined. The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending.”

“I don’t think, you know, there was any indication that, again, there was no trauma or injured themselves, or head injury or brain injury," he added.

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Betsy, 64, was "found decomposed with bloating on her face and mummification in her hands and feet".

Gene, 95, "was found to have the same signs of decomposition as his wife".

Mummification can occur naturally when a body is exposed to dry conditions, extreme cold, or other environmental factors that prevent decay.

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The pair had not been seen for two weeks, and their bodies were discovered on Wednesday February 26 at 1:46pm Mountain Time.

Betsy was discovered lying on the bathroom floor of the couple's home, with an open prescription bottle of pills scattered across a nearby countertop. Gene was found in a mud room off the couple's kitchen, the warrant said, fully clothed and with his sunglasses next to him, suggesting a fall.

One of the couple's three dogs, a German Shepherd, was found dead near Betsy's body but the couple's two other dogs were unharmed.

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The warrant also revealed that the couple's front door was open and there were no signs of forced entry.

Officers also confirmed that the investigation has been challenging in particular because the couple had been so private.

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Gene was a Hollywood legend, winning two Oscars and two Baftas including for Best Actor for his role in the iconic 1972 film The French Connection and the Best Supporting Actor award for Western Unforgiven, directed by Clint Eastwood.

He didn't find fame until later in life, when at the age of 37, he landed his first big role in the classic Bonnie and Clyde, which earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars.

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His first leading role came at the age of 41 in The French Connection. 

Gene retired several years ago and had been spending his retirement painting.

Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Gene in The Conversation, wrote a moving tribute to the Oscar-winning actor.

Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman, a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution."