Gene Hackman death still being investigated

When the news of Gene Hackman’s death, as well as that of his wife, surfaced, it appeared that it may have been a group suicide, but things are shaping up quite differently now.

What we do know, however, is that it was not carbon monoxide poisoning, as some had speculated.

Hackman Found Dead

I won’t say I was surprised hearing that Hackman was dead, as the last pictures seen of him in public were not exactly comforting. He was thin, frail, and hanging on to his wife for support.

What did shock me, however, is that both of them were found dead together, along with one of their three dogs.

Authorities then revealed that the couple had likely been dead more than a week when they were found, showing signs of mummification at the time of the discovery.

What was also odd is that Hackman was found in one room, while his wife was found near the bathroom. The death was eventually ruled “suspicious,” even though authorities initially stated that they had not suspected any foul play.

Not Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Not long after the death was announced, a family member came forward, saying that she believed they likely died from carbon monoxide poisoning. This was just supposition on her part, but the media, of course, ran with it.

The toxicology report revealed that this was not the case. However, authorities also noted that Hackman’s “last event” on his pacemaker was recorded on February 17, which doctors now believe was likely the last day of his life.

What I found interesting at this point was the report of the open pill bottle by Hackman’s wife’s body.

I am now leaning into the idea that Hackman dropped dead, was then discovered by his wife, who possibly committed suicide after losing her husband. Again, this is a supposition on my part, but it appears to be a logical conclusion based on what we have seen.

Pathologist Chimes In

Famed forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden is now chiming in to offer his two cents about what possibly happened to Hackman and his wife.

Baden stated, "So the autopsy showed he didn't have any injury. There was no carbon monoxide. And he had — the most common cause of death in this country — severe heart disease, coronary artery disease and high blood pressure perhaps, from what's been released. So that would cause him, having cardiac arrest in the mudroom, to collapse right there."

He added, "She may have struck her head on the way down and had some internal injury to the brain that doesn't show up on the outside or bleeding in the inside of the brain. Or that she may also, at 65, had severe heart disease and excitement can cause a trigger to the cardiac rhythm causing death under those circumstances. I think the first, that striking her head would be more common."

Baden offered his own conclusion, believing that Hackman had suffered cardiac arrest, and his wife went to get his medication, then possibly fell, hitting her head, resulting in her death. Regardless of what the investigation turns out, it is a horrible ending to man that was truly an icon of the industry. The latest report is in the video below, including pictures from the last time that Hackman had been spotted in public, nearly a year before his death.