It’s been confirmed that Hollywood actor Gene Hackman, age 95, was found dead at his house in New Mexico. However, his wife Betsy Arakawa and one of their dogs were also found dead at the time.
As noted via the NY Times, “an associate of Mr. Hackman and his family had placed an emergency call on Wednesday afternoon after discovering the bodies of the actor and his wife.” Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County, who forwarded this information, added other details regarding the situation.
“Sheriff Mendoza said that the two were found in separate rooms, with one of their dogs dead in a kennel,” the outlet adds. “Two other dogs were alive, he said.” Mendoza also added “that there were no obvious signs of trauma to the bodies and that no note had been found.”
At the time of this writing, investigators are trying to confirm the cause of death for the Oscar-winning actor and his wife. However, details have been scarce while waiting for the autopsies to be performed. “At this stage in the process there isn’t anything obvious like that,” Mendoza shared regarding potential signs of trauma. “The autopsy is going to tell us more.”
Some sources believe that carbon monoxide poisoning may have been a factor. Though the outlet added that the fire department and gas company each confirmed the house was safe to enter when authorities arrived. Initial statements added that they did not suspect foul play, though while speaking with the NY Times, Mendoza had this to say:
“We’re not going to guess this was an accident or natural causes,” he added. “It wasn’t typical.”
It’s a tragic and devastating confirmation regarding one of Hollywood’s biggest actors and his wife who was a classical pianist. Gene Hackman, whose works include The French Connection, Bonnie and Clyde, and 1978’s Superman, received two Academy Awards, two British Academy Films Awards, and four Golden Globes prior to his retirement from acting in 2004.