Gene Hackman was found dead next to his wife (Image: Getty)
An invstigation into a triple tragedy involving iconic Hollywood actor , his wife Betsy Arakawa and one of their dogs has unearthed further heartbreaking details.
The 95-year-old star and his 64-year-old wife were found dead in their Santa Fe home. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the news.
“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail,” the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said.
“This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”
After the bodies were found, a search warrant was issued to conduct a more thorough search. It found that there were also two survivors – their other two dogs.
Gene and Betsy were found dead alongside their dog (Image: Getty)
According to TMZ, Sheriff Adan Mendoza told them that it is customary during death investigations to seek a warrant on the assumption they may find evidence of a crime, which shows that they are following standard procedure.
Sadly, deputies determined the bodies had been there for at least a day. So far, “nothing has been ruled out” although “no visible trauma was discovered”.
The police force have suggested that the star and his wife could have been victims of a double homicide, suicide, accidental death, or natural causes.
Hackman’s family believe the iconic actor and his wife could have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Although she isn’t sure, Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth Jean told that she thinks it could have been caused by toxic fumes.
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The sheriff also comfirmed that a gas company and fire department also responded to make sure there were no toxic fumes that would endanger the deputies during their search.
Hackman is best known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, I Never Sang for My Father and Bonnie and Clyde.
He retired from his six-decade long career in 2004, living a reclusive life with wife Betsy in New Mexico.
Gene and Betsy, a classical pianist, married in 1991. He was previously married to Faye Maltese, with who he shared children Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Ann Hackman.