A former FBI agent proposes another theory about Gene Hackman's death

The death of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, remains unsolved. The autopsies ruled out poisoning by toxic gases, and authorities are searching for new clues.

The case opened on February 27, when the bodies of the 95-year-old actor, his 63-year-old wife, and one of their three pets were found in their mansion. So far, no signs of violence or evidence of a crime have been found.

The carbon monoxide theory was ruled out

One of the initial approaches was the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, the analyses dismissed this cause.

• The Fire Department and the New Mexico Gas Company inspected the residence.
• They detected a minimal leak in a kitchen burner, with just 0.33% gas in the air.
• Authorities confirmed that this amount was not lethal.

Additionally, issues were found in the water heater and the gas fireplaces, but they did not pose an immediate risk.

A former FBI agent proposed a new hypothesis

Former FBI agent Bill Daly suggested another possible cause of death. According to what he explained to Fox News, investigators might be facing a case of food poisoning.

"Toxicology: there could have been some other type of poisoning, possibly by food? They are going to check their trash, their refrigerator... This is something the police can do while collecting evidence."

The clues that raise more doubts

The way the bodies were found also raises questions:

• Hackman was in the foyer next to the kitchen, with his sunglasses and cane on the floor. This suggests he might have fallen.
• Arakawa was found in the bathroom, with a pill bottle nearby and several pills scattered.
• The last record of Hackman's pacemaker dates back to February 17, nine days before the discovery.

Authorities seized two phones, medications, and a notebook during the house inspection. However, the mansion did not have security cameras, which complicates the reconstruction of events.

A private life that complicates the investigation

Hackman, retired from acting since 2004, lived a reserved life in Santa Fe with Arakawa. They were rarely seen in public.

His family also doesn't provide many details. His daughters did not live with him, but they maintained contact months ago. Leslie Hackman assured that her father was in good health: "He liked to do pilates and yoga," she told the Daily Mail.