UPDATE:
*Authorities are now treating the deaths of Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 64, as “suspicious,” according to a search warrant affidavit. The couple was found dead in their Santa Fe home during a welfare check on Wednesday, alongside their dog.
Hackman was discovered on the floor of the mudroom, appearing to have fallen suddenly, while Arakawa was found lying on her side in a bathroom near a space heater, ABC News reports. Signs of decomposition were noted on her body. Investigators also found an open prescription bottle with scattered pills on the counter near Arakawa, adding to the mystery surrounding their deaths. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has launched a full investigation into the circumstances.
ORIGINAL STORY
*Actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead in their New Mexico home, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Hackman was 95.
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Authorities have not confirmed the cause of death but stated that foul play is not suspected. Some fans speculate carbon monoxide poisoning may be involved. Deputies conducted a welfare check Wednesday afternoon and found the couple, along with their dog, deceased, CNN reports.
Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, said the medical examiner’s report “generally take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to generate” to determine the final cause of death.
Several celebrities are sharing tributes on social media. Director Francis Ford Coppola posted, “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration.”
“A great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution,” Coppola added.
“Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe,” wrote actor George Takei. “He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.”
“Hackman is immortalized through many incredible performances probably more iconic than CRIMSON TIDE, but nobody could’ve brought the same shit-eating bravado to a role with such richly delivered relish,” wrote X user @metaplexmovies.
“He’s undoubtedly one of the greatest to ever grace the medium. The World will miss him. As Arthur Penn rightly put it, ‘American movies have always had certain kinds of self-styled actors who shouldn’t be stars but are and Gene Hackman is in the company of Bogart, Tracy, and Cagney,’” wrote another X user.
Hackman is best known for films like “The French Connection,” “The Conversation,” “Hoosiers,” “Unforgiven,” “The Firm” and notably portraying Lex Luthor in the “Superman” films of the 1970s and ’80s. He won his first Oscar for portraying of Popeye Doyle in “The French Connection.” Hackman earned a second Academy Award for his role in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 film, “Unforgiven.” He retired from the industry at 74.
Hackman had three children with his ex-wife, Faye Maltese, who died in 2017. The investigation into his passing is ongoing.
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