Gene Hackman’s family have said they are ‘devastated by the loss’ as authorities investigate the death of the Hollywood legend.
Hollywood veteran actor 95-year-old Gene Hackman and his classical pianist wife, 63-year-old Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home on Wednesday (February 26).
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza did not give information regarding the pair’s cause of death but also noted that one of the couple’s dogs was found deceased as well.
In a statement on Thursday he said: “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”
Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, and his granddaughter, Annie, have since released a statement following reports of the couple’s death.
Speaking to the New York Post, they said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy.
Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead at their home earlier this week (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
“He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa.
“We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
This statement comes after an update on the situation by the authorities.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said they did not suspect foul play, but haven’t ruled it out, and found no immediate signs of ‘external trauma’ to the pair.
Police have said they will conduct a ‘thorough search and investigation’ as the couple’s deaths are ‘suspicious enough’ to warrant this from the ‘circumstances surrounding’ the scene, according to an affidavit for a search warrant.
The document reveals a maintenance worker initially came across the scene and they found the front door of the Sante Fe home unlocked.
At the scene, cops then found Betsy’s body on the bathroom floor next to a space heater which they note ‘could have fallen in the event [she] abruptly fell to the ground’.
Police are investigating the cause and details of Gene Hackman and his wife’s death (Vera Anderson/WireImage)
There was also an open prescription bottle with pills scattered on the counter-top.
The affidavit also noted that Arakawa appeared decomposed with ‘mummification’ in her hands and feet.
Hackman was found in a similar position in a different room, on the floor alongside a walking cane and sunglasses leading authorities to believe he had ‘suddenly fallen’.
As part of the investigation into the deaths, Santa Fe City Fire department have seemingly ruled out carbon monoxide leak or poisoning as they found no signs of this at the home.
The New Mexico Gas Company also found no signs of this after carrying out tests on the gas line and around the residence.