Gene Hackman’s nephew, Tim Hackman, recently addressed the theories surrounding the deaths of the actor and his wife (Image: GETTY)
Tim Hackman, nephew of the legendary actor , has broken silence on the various rumours concerning the tragic deaths of his renowned uncle and his spouse.
Gene, an iconic figure in , together with his wife Betsy Arakawa, were discovered deceased at their residence in New Mexico just last week. Amid rampant speculation attributing their demise to carbon monoxide poisoning or cardiac arrest, Tim has called for restraint, underscoring the importance of awaiting the investigation’s findings before drawing any hasty conclusions.
The son of Gene’s brother Richard Hackman, Tim is reported as stating that the relatives are patiently anticipating toxicological analysis results. Speaking to Us Weekly, Tim coveyed his reticence to indulge in conjecture: “We’re waiting on toxicology. That will tell us everything. It’s hard to theorize. There are lots of theories out there and I don’t want to speculate. It’s easy to speculate negative theories,” he said, articulating a desire to focus on positivity during the uncertainty.
Tim stressed their intention to confront the situation head-on once full disclosure is achieved, adding: “The family wants to keep it positive for now and when we know the truth we will deal with it.”
These remarks come amidst acknowledgement from law enforcement of a significant oversight committed during the initial response to the discovery of the bodies of the Academy Award-winning actor, his wife, and one of their dogs inside their home early in February specifically, a misidentification of which of their pets perished alongside them, reports .
Hollywood megastar Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa (Image: Getty Images)
According to USA Today, the dog that passed away was Zinna, a 12 year old Australian Kelpie mix and one of three pets belonging to the couple. Initially, police misidentified the deceased dog as Bear, Gene and Betsy’s German Shepherd, who is in fact alive along with their other dog.
The reason for the initial mix-up in the police report regarding the identity of the dog remains unclear.
A report revealed that both bodies of Gene and Betsy were discovered “mummified” and decomposed. Subsequent information indicated Hackman’s pacemaker stopped transmitting data on February 17, suggesting he may have been deceased in his home for 11 days.
Gene Hackman’s nephew Tim Hackman asked people to remain positive (Image: Getty Images)
A male maintenance worker came across the couple when he visited the property for routine work. Upon finding the bodies, he made an urgent call to 911, but avoided entering the house, stating to the operator: “I have no idea, I have no idea, I’m not inside the house, it’s closed. I see she’s laying down on the floor.”
On the Today Show, Santa Fe Sheriff Adam Mendoza highlighted a bottle of prescription medication found in the film icon’s residence, now being considered as “very important” evidence, pointing out it “is something of concern”. Speaking on Friday, Mendoza revealed the pills had been sent to the local medical examiner for further analysis to help determine the cause of death, though toxicology results are not expected for several months.
Gene, who passed away at the ripe age of 95, enjoyed a career that spanned over six decades. The celebrated actor was the recipient of two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, four Golden Globes, a SAG Award and the Silver Bear.
He is remembered for his roles in films such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, I Never Sang for My Father and Bonnie and Clyde, among others. In his twilight years, he retired from acting and spent his days with his wife Betsy at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The couple were seldom seen outside their home. However, in one of his last public appearances, Hackman was photographed looking frail outside a 7-Eleven store, holding a coffee and an apple pie.
He leaves behind three children – Christopher Allen, Leslie Anne and Elizabeth Jean – who are expected to be interviewed by authorities to help piece together the couple’s final days.