Good Morning Britain host Richard Madeley abruptly interrupted Thursday’s (February 27) programme to deliver tragic “breaking” news.
On today’s show, Richard and co-host Kate Garraway reported the heartbreaking deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, along with their pet dog. They were found in their Santa Fe residence.
“We’ve got some breaking news that’s just come in. legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy, have been found dead in their home in Santa Fe, alongside their dog,” stated a solemn Richard.
“As I say, the couple’s dog was also found dead inside the property. The police have said there was no immediate indication of foul play. The couple have been married, apparently, since 1991. That’s all we have at the moment, but any more, of course, we’ll bring to you.”
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Richard Madeley and Kate Garraway presented Good Morning Britain on Thursday (February 27) (Image: ITV)
“Yes, we will bring you more. That’s incredibly shocking and immediately questions are going to be asked as to why, but how devastating,” added Kate, echoing the gravity of the situation, reports .
Later in the programme, the presenters returned with an update from the authorities regarding the case.
“A little bit more information coming through to us now on that pretty shocking breaking news we brought to you a few minutes ago,” relayed Kate.
“The local sheriff has made a statement but it’s pretty limited on detail. He confirmed that there was no immediate indication of foul play, but did not provide a cause of death, which, of course, has prompted a lot of speculation about what might have gone wrong. Richard Arnold and others are looking into more detail.”
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the news to local media just after midnight on Wednesday that the couple had died, along with their dog.
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Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been found dead at their home (Image: ITV)
“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail,” he said in a statement.
“This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”
Gene’s career spanned more than six decades. During that time, he won two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, four Golden Globes and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
He is best known for his role as Lex Luthor in the Superman movies in the 1970s and 1980s. He also starred in hit blockbusters Runaway Jury and The Conservation, as well as Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am