The screen legend was found dead aged 95 at his New Mexico home. (Image: Getty)
Authorities probing the death of Gene Hackman, his wife, and one of their dogs at the actor’s New Mexico home have revealed the fate of two other pets found at the property in a new update.
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One of their three beloved German Shepherd was also found dead in a closet adjoining the bathroom – with the closet only 10 to 15 feet away from Betsy, police said, as per . The grim discovery was made by a shocked maintenance worker who alerted police.
The couple’s two other dogs shepherds were found alive at their Sante Fe mansion, with one next to Ms Arakawa’s body in the bathroom, with another reportedly running loose on the grounds.
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A press release said the Santa Fe County Animal Control Division is working Mr Hackman’s family to “ensure the safety of the two dogs”.
The cause of their deaths remains unknown, though an . Police have deemed the circumstances “suspicious enough to require a thorough search and investigation.”
According to the warrant, Mr Hackman was found fully clothed on the floor of his wet room, with his cane resting beside him.
This has led authorities to suspect that he may have suffered a fall. A recent report reveals that police “observed a pair of feet and legs on the ground near the kitchen area”, identified as belonging to the two-time Oscar winner.
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The couple married in 1991. (Image: Getty)
The autopsy report said: “The deceased male who was found wearing grey sweat pants, a blue in colour long-sleeve t-shirt, brown slippers, and walking-cane.
“Deputy Thomas indicated he observed a pair of sunglasses located near the decedent’s left of his body”, as per . “Based on Deputy Thomas’ training and experience he suspected the male individual has suddenly fallen,” the report continued.
“Deputy Thomas advised the male decedent also showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent.”
Ms Arakawa was also discovered on the bathroom floor, next to a knocked-over bottle of prescription pills and a nearby space heater, according to police.
Her body was discovered in an advanced state of decay, authorities said, with significant swelling in her face and “mummification in her hands and feet”.
“[The officer] advised he suspected the heater could have fallen in the event the female abruptly fell to the ground,” it added.
The deputy also “advised he also observed an orange prescription bottle on the counter-top near the deceased female. The prescription bottle appeared opened with pills scattered on the counter-top”.
The couple were known to be animal lovers, and previously had two pet dogs, before Gene adopted a third he encountered while filming sport comedy film The Replacements in Baltimore in 1999, as per The Mirror.