Gene Hackman’s health was ‘really slipping’ in the months prior to his death (Image: GETTY)
The Sante Fe County Sheriff’s Office has quashed rumours of an upcoming press conference regarding the tragic deaths of legend and his wife Betsy Arakawa.
Despite speculation of a new briefing on Monday, March 3, following the couple’s discovery in their New Mexico home on February 26, authorities have confirmed no such event is planned.
Taking to Facebook, the Sheriff’s Office clarified: “There is no new information to share in the Hackman/Arakawa investigation at this time. We have not scheduled a press conference.”
As the investigation into the couple’s death continues, with officials attempting to unravel the events leading up to the tragedy, it was disclosed at a previous press conference on February 28 that Hackman’s pacemaker ceased transmitting on February 17, suggesting he died nine days before being found. Also discovered deceased was one of their German Shepherds, lying close to Betsy’s body.
The couple’s remaining two dogs are currently under the care of the authorities, reports .
Actor Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa pose for a photo (Image: Getty Images)
The news follows a poignant tribute to Hackman at the Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2, where his friend and fellow actor Morgan Freeman honoured the esteemed star’s memory.
“The community lost a giant,” he remarked; “I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on two films, Unforgiven and Under Suspicion. I found out he was a generous man to everyone he worked with and he won the hearts of filmgoers around the world.”
Freeman also shared a memory, saying that Gene once told him: “I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.”
The actor finished by expressing: “I think I can speak on behalf of everyone when I say Gene you’ll be remembered for that and so much more rest in peace, my friend.”
Meanwhile, officials reported finding bodies in an advanced state of decay described as “mummified”. Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya delved into what exactly “mummification” implies.
“If somebody was down for a long time their hands could be blackened and stuff to that nature. They could have no eyes. The eyes could have been gone by that time,” he explained.