The world is mourning the loss of legendary actor Gene Hackman, who was found dead at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday.

Alongside him were his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog, both of whom had also tragically passed away. Hackman, who had recently celebrated his 95th birthday, was known for his iconic performances in Hollywood, but his sudden death has left many in shock.

Authorities responded to a welfare check after a concerned neighbor called, leading to the heartbreaking discovery. Although there were no immediate signs of foul play, the cause of death remains under investigation.

One possible explanation comes from Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, who spoke to TMZ about the tragedy. She suggested that carbon monoxide poisoning might have been the cause, though no official confirmation has been made.

“The house was built in 2000, so it’s fairly modern,” Elizabeth noted. “But we don’t know if there were any gas leaks or any recent issues with the heating system.” Following the discovery, gas company officials and fire department personnel were called to the scene to ensure there were no lingering toxic fumes.

Hackman’s death is especially tragic because he had been living a peaceful and private life in retirement. After stepping away from Hollywood in 2004, he and his wife moved to New Mexico, where he dedicated his time to painting. Despite his retirement, his legacy in film remained strong. He starred in over 70 movies, including The French Connection, which he often cited as his favorite role.