Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa deaths: Authorities rule out gas leak as cause of death of Hollywood actor & wife

The deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his pianist wife Betsy Arakawa were not due to a gas leak, according to authorities in the US state of New Mexico.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said the New Mexico Gas Company confirmed “no significant findings” in its extensive investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide at the couple’s home, where the pair and their dog were found dead on February 26.

During the examination, a “minuscule”, non-lethal leak was found in one of the stove burners, and four code enforcement violations were found for installation of lighters for a water heater and fireplaces, but none related to gas leaks or carbon monoxide.

“Those results are not believed to be a factor in the deaths of Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa or their dog though the information was relayed to the Office of the Medical Investigator for consideration,” the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office said.

Oscar-winning Hackman’s pacemaker last recorded nine days before he was found dead on February 26 in a mud room in his home, along with the bodies of his wife and dog, who were found in a bathroom.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the couple’s death, but on Friday they tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Official results of the autopsies and toxicology reports are still pending.

There were no signs of blunt force trauma.

The front door of their home was found ajar, but there were no signs of forced entry or that the house had been rummaged through.