Gene Hackman found dead aged 95 alongside wife, 63, as tributes flood in for Oscar winner
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The couple’s dog was also found dead at the property.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the deaths just after midnight.
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 63, had been married since 1991.
The legendary actor was known for his roles in films including The French Connection, Unforgiven and Superman.
Local authorities have launched a death investigation at the Santa Fe Summit home where the couple resided.
The couple were found dead on Wednesday afternoon, February 26, alongside their pet dog.
No cause of death has been revealed as of yet.
Sheriff Mendoza did not provide information on when the couple might have died.
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Hackman had recently celebrated his 95th birthday in late January, whilst classical pianist Arakawa was 63.
The pair were discovered at their home in the Santa Fe Summit community.
Local media reports indicate authorities are currently awaiting approval of a search warrant as part of their preliminary investigation.
Sheriff Mendoza told local media: “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”
He confirmed there was “no immediate indication of foul play” in relation to the deaths.
“I want to assure the community and neighbourhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone,” the Sheriff added.
Police have not revealed what might have caused the deaths of the Hollywood star, his wife and their pet.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities await further details.
Local news outlet the Santa Fe New Mexican was among the first to report the tragic discovery.
Hackman had a career spanning over six decades, earning two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, two BAFTA Awards and a SAG Award.
The actor retired from the film industry in 2004 after starring in Welcome to Mooseport.
Born in California in 1930, Hackman enlisted in the army at 16 after lying about his age.
He served for four-and-a-half years before pursuing acting.
Hackman and Arakawa had been married for over three decades after tying the knot in 1991.
The couple were known to be private, with Hackman having not appeared in a film since his retirement.
Last year, the couple were spotted in public for the first time in two decades.
The investigation remains in its preliminary stages, with authorities yet to determine the exact cause and time of death.
Sheriff Mendoza’s statement indicates officials are proceeding carefully with the investigation.
The deaths have shocked fans worldwide, with news breaking in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Hackman was known to be reclusive in his later years after retiring from acting.
The couple had made Santa Fe their home after the actor left Los Angeles.
According to reports, Hackman’s decision to quit acting was related to stress and heart issues he experienced.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths as they await search warrant approval.