Authorities in New Mexico stated on Tuesday that the deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were not caused by a gas leak.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Tuesday that the New Mexico Gas Company found “no significant findings” in its extensive investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide at the couple’s home.
According to the statement, the company did find one “miniscule leak” at one of the stove top burners and four code enforcement violations for the installation of lighters for a water heater and fireplaces during its investigation on February 26.
“Those results are not believed to be a factor in the deaths of Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa or their dog,” the sheriff’s office noted.
The office said it had relayed the information to the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Hackman and Arakawa, along with their dog, were found dead inside their New Mexico home in circumstances officials initially deemed “suspicious enough” to warrant a thorough investigation.
The causes of death for Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa are still unknown.
Preliminary autopsies and officials indicated that the pair showed no external trauma, and there were no immediate signs of foul play. Authorities also found no immediate signs of a carbon monoxide or natural gas leak.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated on Friday that both Hackman and his wife tested negative for carbon monoxide, likely ruling it out as a potential cause of death.
