Gene Hackman once spoke about his fear of dying in a haunting interview that’s now resurfaced … just a day after he, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were found dead at their New Mexico home.

In a 2004 chat with Larry King, Gene admitted he didn’t fear much — but dying definitely freaked him out … adding it’s the kind of thing that hits you when you get up there in age.

Gene, who was 74 at the time, said his fear of dying wasn’t just about him — he wanted to make sure his wife and family were taken care of, too.

We don’t know much about his recent health issues, but regarding his and his wife’s deaths, his daughter told us earlier today that the family believes carbon monoxide poisoning is to blame.

The Santa Fe house is pretty modern, built in 2000. We don’t know if there were any gas leak issues or if there had been any service calls to the address.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza tells us his deps haven’t ruled anything out and are still investigating.

Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, tragically died this week … and their family believes carbon monoxide poisoning is to blame, TMZ has learned.

The legendary actor’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, tells TMZ they’re not sure, but they think the cause might be from toxic fumes.

She added law enforcement found no signs of foul play, although Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza tells us his deputies haven’t ruled anything out and are still investigating.

The house is fairly modern … it was built in 2000. We do not know if there were any issues with gas leaks or if there were calls to service at the address.

Mendoza tells us when deputies performed a welfare check at the property Wednesday and found the couple’s bodies, gas company and fire department personnel also responded to make sure there were no toxic fumes that would endanger deputies during their search.

Gene and Betsy were found dead at home on Wednesday, along with one of their dogs, also dead, after a neighbor raised concerns.

Elizabeth gives us more insight into Gene’s life before his passing … saying he and his wife had been living in their New Mexico home since he retired in 2004.

When Gene walked away from Hollywood, he was done for good … spending his retirement painting. She also told us his favorite film was “The French Connection.”

Elizabeth didn’t comment on his health — but he had just turned 95, and in a rare public sighting on March 28, 2024, he was seen walking with a cane and holding his wife’s hand for support.

Justin Tucker‘s wife is speaking out on the disturbing allegations made against the All-Pro kicker … saying she is standing firmly in his corner through it all.

The Baltimore Ravens star has been accused by 16 massage therapists of acting inappropriately during sessions from 2012-2016 … which sparked an NFL investigation.

Tucker has adamantly denied any wrongdoing … and this week, his wife, Amanda, broke her silence on the matter.

“The false allegations against Justin have caused so much hurt to our family,” Amanda said in a statement to OutKick. “I believe my husband, and I love and support him fully.”

Tucker also doubled down in another denial … saying he’s devastated by the claims while also issuing an apology to anyone who felt anything short of “respected and valued as a professional” during his treatments.

“I want you to know I am committed to ensuring that everyone I interact with continues to feel that I respect them and care about them as a human being,” Tucker said.

He also addressed the claims he was not welcomed back to any establishment he attended … saying it’s simply not true.

“Throughout the last four weeks, I have spent countless hours replaying every interaction I have had with bodywork professionals over the last thirteen years. I can assure whoever is reading this that I have never intended to disrespect anyone, cross any boundary, or make anyone feel uncomfortable in any way whatsoever.”