Gene Hackman has died

Circumstances of the deaths & carbon monoxide discussion

• Several commenters initially speculate carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to two humans and a dog dying in the same house, referencing similar past CO tragedies.
• Others cite reporting that:
  • One body showed significant decomposition and was near a space heater and spilled pills.
  • The other was found later near the front door and a cane.
  • One dog was dead nearby; two dogs survived (one outside, one inside).
  • Fire and gas companies reported no detected CO or gas leak; the case has since been labeled “suspicious.”
• There’s a debate about probability: some insist multiple deaths in one home strongly suggest a common cause; others argue correlated events (age, health, stress, unattended home) can explain this without foul play.
• Several commenters suggest alternative chains of events (e.g., one partner dying first, the other collapsing later; dog dying from dehydration or pill ingestion), but acknowledge details remain unclear.

CO detectors, safety, and practical advice

• Thread turns into a strong PSA: CO poisoning is described as common and often fatal, especially with gas/oil/wood heat, space heaters, and idling cars in enclosed spaces.
• Multiple people stress:
  • Many homes still lack detectors.
  • Cheap/low-quality or expired detectors are a risk; sensors typically have ~10-year lifespans and can fail silently.
  • Hardwired, interconnected detectors (or linked battery units) are recommended so all alarms sound together.
• Several urge readers to check and replace their own and their parents’ smoke/CO detectors.

Career, films, and legacy

• Widespread admiration for his range and presence; many call him one of the all-time greats with exceptional “gravitas.”
• Frequently mentioned favorites:
  • “The Conversation” (often labeled a masterpiece and underrated).
  • “The French Connection” (especially the chase scene).
  • “Unforgiven,” “Crimson Tide,” “Mississippi Burning.”
  • “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “The Birdcage,” “Hoosiers,” “Heist,” “Enemy of the State,” “Night Moves,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Bat*21,” “Get Shorty,” “Welcome to Mooseport.”
• Several note the eerie echo between “The Conversation” and his later surveillance-themed “Enemy of the State.”
• Commenters are surprised he effectively retired over 20 years ago, yet his work still feels current.

Background and personal impressions

• Some highlight his Marine service and feel it informed his military roles.
• One commenter reports local rumors about inappropriate behavior toward massage therapists; this is presented as second-hand and is not corroborated in the thread.
• Overall tone is respectful and mournful, emphasizing his performances and impact while acknowledging the unresolved questions around the circumstances of his death.