New details emerge surrounding Gene Hackman and his wife’s deaths in Santa Fe, with a fire chief giving a crucial update.
“Companion suicide” theories are not supported, and Gene’s nephew spoke out, dismissing this suggestion.
Fire Chief Brian Moya gave an update to Fox News. Moya thinks they died close in time because their bodies were found similarly. Gene was 95, and Betsy was 63; she was a pianist, and their home was secluded.
Moya explained how experts assess deaths, noting that the bodies were similar. The Fire Department had never been to their house before, nor had emergency services, during Moya’s time as chief.
The Sheriff’s Department handles the case now; their last involvement was February 27. Carbon monoxide was first suspected, but tests came back negative. The family thought a gas leak killed them at their large house.
A minor leak existed, but it was not deadly. A gas company checked for leaks thoroughly, finding a tiny leak: only 0.33% gas in air. Other issues involved code violations. Inspectors issue “red tags” for hazards, stopping use until fixed. Gene’s pacemaker worked on February 17; police think he died when it stopped.