Latest news with #NMGC
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
Gene Hackman's home had 'no significant' gas or carbon monoxide leaks
Gas company officials have reported finding "no significant" gas or carbon monoxide leaks at the home of the late Gene Hackman. The French Connection actor was found dead alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa and one of their dogs at their property in Santa Fe, New Mexico on 26 February. Hackman was 95 and Arakawa was 65. Despite no obvious signs of foul play, police officers decided the deaths were "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation". On Tuesday, representatives for the Sante Fe County Sheriff released an update from inspectors at the New Mexico Gas Company (NMGC) in which they confirmed they found no major gas leaks at the couple's home. "The New Mexico Gas Company confirmed it conducted an extensive investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide at Gene Hackman's home on the early evening of February 26, 2025," they said in a statement. "There were no significant findings." The gas company investigator did report a "miniscule" gas leak on one of the stove burners, registering 0.33 per cent gas in the air, but insisted it was "not a lethal amount". "The other four red tags were for code enforcement violations - not involving gas leaks or carbon monoxide - involving a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces," they added. Last week, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza reported Hackman and Arakawa's bodies tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning and that the Unforgiven star's pacemaker recorded its "last event" on 17 February. Toxicology and autopsy reports remain pending.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gene Hackman's home had no 'significant' gas, carbon monoxide leaks: Gas company
As questions remain surrounding the death of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, authorities released a new update from the New Mexico Gas Company on March 4. The statement further eliminates the likelihood that the couple died of carbon monoxide poisoning. The New Mexico Gas Company (NMGC) conducted "an extensive investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide" at the couple's home on Feb. 26, the day the 95-year-old actor and his wife, 64, were found dead. According to Tuesday's press release from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, "there were no significant findings." "NMGC did issue five red tags. One red tag was for a minuscule leak (0.33% gas in air — not a lethal amount) at one of the stove burners. The other four red tags were for code enforcement violations — not involving gas leaks or carbon monoxide — involving a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces," the statement concluded. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. On Friday, investigators announced that both Hackman and Arakawa had tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning. Both showed no signs of external trauma. Police are awaiting the results of a toxicology report that will help determine the cause and manner of the deaths. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said a full autopsy report will "be key to this investigation." The last day of Hackman's life was probably Feb. 17, when his pacemaker recorded his "last event." One of Hackman and Arakawa's three dogs was found dead near her body. There has been some confusion over which dog died, as police initially said it was the pair's German shepherd. However, that dog is alive and well with a family friend. A mixed-breed dog named Zinna was found deceased. Joey Padilla, a dog day care owner who worked with the couple's dogs for a decade, spoke to Fox News Digital about how protective Arakawa was of her husband and their pets. "You know, after COVID, she was very particular about bringing people around Gene. So, she was super protective," Padilla said. He added that Arakawa and Zinna were "attached to the hip." "It's hard to explain and encompass how much these dogs meant to these people," he said. Padilla told the outlet that it had been at least a month since he last saw Arakawa. Friends of the pair have given various interviews to media outlets that paint a similar picture of the reclusive life of Hackman and Arakawa in recent years. A Santa Fe couple, Barbara Lenihan, 75, and her husband, Daniel Lenihan, were longtime friends of the couple. They told the New York Post the pair had increasingly "become insular." "We used to spend a lot of time at their house but it'd been a while since they were comfortable having others over," she said. "They were a little insular and that was fine, it just got tougher for them to have people over." Daniel said it had been "years" since he saw Hackman in person. Barbara saw Arakawa earlier this year and told the outlet they had corresponded via email in recent weeks. Hackman's friends and his children have publicly offered different perspectives on his health before his death. Leslie Ann Hackman, one of his three kids from a prior marriage, told the Daily Mail "there was no indication that there was any problem" with his health. "Despite his age, he was in very good physical condition," she said, but admitted she had not spoken with him in the months before his death.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gene Hackman's home had no 'significant' gas, carbon monoxide leaks: Gas company
As questions remain surrounding the death of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, authorities released a new update from the New Mexico Gas Company on March 4. The statement further eliminates the likelihood that the couple died of carbon monoxide poisoning. The New Mexico Gas Company (NMGC) conducted "an extensive investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide" at the couple's home on Feb. 26, the day the 95-year-old actor and his wife, 64, were found dead. According to Tuesday's press release from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, "there were no significant findings." "NMGC did issue five red tags. One red tag was for a minuscule leak (0.33% gas in air — not a lethal amount) at one of the stove burners. The other four red tags were for code enforcement violations — not involving gas leaks or carbon monoxide — involving a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces," the statement concluded. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. On Friday, investigators announced that both Hackman and Arakawa had tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning. Both showed no signs of external trauma. Police are awaiting the results of a toxicology report that will help determine the cause and manner of the deaths. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said a full autopsy report will "be key to this investigation." The last day of Hackman's life was probably Feb. 17, when his pacemaker recorded his "last event." One of Hackman and Arakawa's three dogs was found dead near her body. There has been some confusion over which dog died, as police initially said it was the pair's German shepherd. However, that dog is alive and well with a family friend. A mixed-breed dog named Zinna was found deceased. Joey Padilla, a dog day care owner who worked with the couple's dogs for a decade, spoke to Fox News Digital about how protective Arakawa was of her husband and their pets. "You know, after COVID, she was very particular about bringing people around Gene. So, she was super protective," Padilla said. He added that Arakawa and Zinna were "attached to the hip." "It's hard to explain and encompass how much these dogs meant to these people," he said. Padilla told the outlet that it had been at least a month since he last saw Arakawa. Friends of the pair have given various interviews to media outlets that paint a similar picture of the reclusive life of Hackman and Arakawa in recent years. A Santa Fe couple, Barbara Lenihan, 75, and her husband, Daniel Lenihan, were longtime friends of the couple. They told the New York Post the pair had increasingly "become insular." "We used to spend a lot of time at their house but it'd been a while since they were comfortable having others over," she said. "They were a little insular and that was fine, it just got tougher for them to have people over." Daniel said it had been "years" since he saw Hackman in person. Barbara saw Arakawa earlier this year and told the outlet they had corresponded via email in recent weeks. Hackman's friends and his children have publicly offered different perspectives on his health before his death. Leslie Ann Hackman, one of his three kids from a prior marriage, told the Daily Mail "there was no indication that there was any problem" with his health. "Despite his age, he was in very good physical condition," she said, but admitted she had not spoken with him in the months before his death.

USA Today
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Gene Hackman, wife Betsy Arakawa death investigation reveals gas, carbon monoxide results
Gene Hackman, wife Betsy Arakawa death investigation reveals gas, carbon monoxide results Show Caption Hide Caption Gene Hackman's quiet impact: a legacy beyond the screen In Santa Fe, Gene Hackman's lesser known legacy of humility, artistry and an undeniable fingerprint on his community. As the investigation into the causes of death for Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa continues, the possibility of a gas leak inside their home appears to be conclusively ruled out. On Tuesday, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office issued an update based on the New Mexico Gas Company's "extensive investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide at Gene Hackman's home," which was conducted the evening of Feb. 26. "There were no significant findings. NMGC did issue five (5) red tags. One red tag was for a minuscule leak (0.33% gas in air – not a lethal amount) at one of the stove burners," the news release states. "The other four red tags were for code enforcement violations -not involving gas leaks or carbon monoxide – involving a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces." These results "are not believed to be a factor in the deaths of Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa or their dog," the sheriff's office noted. Nevertheless, the findings were sent to the Office of the Medical Investigator "for consideration." Santa Fe authorities previously ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning In a press conference last week, the sheriff's department ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a potential cause of death for the couple, revealing that tests came back negative. Hackman and Arakawa were found dead alongside their dog by neighborhood security officials in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Feb. 26. Hackman's pacemaker revealed "his last event was recorded on Feb. 17, 2025," the sheriff's office said in a press conference on Friday, adding that it was "a very good assumption" to conclude that was Hackman's "last day of life," more than a week before he was found. As Hollywood shared condolences and memories of the Oscar-winning actor, troubling details began to emerge surrounding the couple's deaths. According to a search warrant affidavit, authorities found the actor in a mudroom near his cane, appearing to have fallen, while his wife Arakawa was found in an open bathroom near a space heater, with an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the nearby countertop. A deputy observed Arakawa with "body decomposition, bloating in her face" and mummification of her hands and feet. One of the couple's dogs was also found dead less than 15 feet from Arakawa in a closet, while two other dogs were found alive in the bathroom near Arakawa and outside. Authorities have called the circumstances "suspicious," while noting "no foul play" is suspected at this time. Contributing: Anna Kaufman, Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY


USA Today
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Gene Hackman death investigation continues: Conflicting details emerge on dogs, health
Gene Hackman death investigation continues: Conflicting details emerge on dogs, health Show Caption Hide Caption Gene Hackman's quiet impact: a legacy beyond the screen In Santa Fe, Gene Hackman's lesser known legacy of humility, artistry and an undeniable fingerprint on his community. The deaths of Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa may still be unsolved, but new details about their pets and health are emerging. The actor, his pianist wife Arakawa and their dog were found dead by authorities in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday. According to a search warrant affidavit, authorities found the actor in a mudroom near his cane, appearing to have fallen, while his wife Arakawa was found in an open bathroom near a space heater, with an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the nearby countertop. A deputy observed Arakawa with "body decomposition, bloating in her face" and mummification of her hands and feet. One of the couple's dogs was also found dead less than 15 feet from Arakawa in a crate, while two other dogs were found alive in the bathroom near Arakawa and outside. Here's what else is new as the investigation continues. Search for gas leaks and carbon monoxide results in 'no significant findings' On Tuesday, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office issued an update based on the New Mexico Gas Company's "extensive investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide at Gene Hackman's home," which was conducted the evening of Feb. 26. "There were no significant findings. NMGC did issue five (5) red tags. One red tag was for a minuscule leak (0.33% gas in air – not a lethal amount) at one of the stove burners," the news release states. "The other four red tags were for code enforcement violations -not involving gas leaks or carbon monoxide – involving a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces." These results "are not believed to be a factor in the deaths of Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa or their dog," the sheriff's office noted. However, the findings were sent to the Office of the Medical Investigator "for consideration." Gene Hackman cause of death The exact cause of death still has not been determined. Authorities have called the circumstances "suspicious," though a Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said foul play is not suspected. Police are in the process of putting together a timeline of the couple's deaths, with early reports suggesting the couple could have been dead for over a week. Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa died with Australian Kelpie mix named Zinna: Exclusive USA TODAY has learned that police, in an affidavit for a search warrant, misidentified the dog that the couple died with, which led media to incorrectly report their German shepherd had perished. The dog who died in the Hackman home was actually Zinna, a 12-year-old reddish Australian Kelpie mixed-breed who had once trained in agility skills to compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Her body was found in a closed crate in the home, according to Joey Padilla, who transported the surviving dogs to his facility, Santa Fe Tails. The couple's surviving dogs are Bear, a German shepherd, and Nikita, a 7-year-old Akita-shepherd mix. Gene Hackman's dog: Sheriff's office makes error in initial death report USA TODAY visited the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, the county agency responsible for housing animals when they are found with deceased owners. Officials there referred all questions to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, who said deputies may have just misidentified the breed. Gene Hackman's friends reveal late actor's health was in decline months before death According to family friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, Hackman's condition was "really slipping" in the "last couple of months" before his shocking death, the couple shared with People magazine in an interview published Friday. Gene Hackman's friends reveal late actor's health was in decline months before death While the Lenihans did not disclose details on Hackman's failing health, Daniel Lenihan noted that the Oscar-winning actor was "essentially kind of homebound," with Barbara Lenihan adding that the 95-year-old had stopped riding his bike through their Santa Fe, New Mexico, neighborhood. Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa rebuilt New Mexico property Hackman lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for four decades, much of that time in the couple's remodeled property. Gene Hackman's refuge – and mysterious death – at his Santa Fe home with wife Betsy Arakawa The "French Connection" actor turned to the city – and a two-story green stucco estate – after retreating from Hollywood. The home blended pueblo, colonial and Spanish baroque styles and was rebuilt from the studs, according to Architectural Digest, with Hackman involved intimately with the design of the home. Contributing: Anna Kaufman and KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY