Hollywood actor Gene Hackman was found dead at his home alongside his wife, prompting police to launch a full investigation into the cause of death.
According to reports on the 27th (local time) from the Associated Press (AP), BBC, and The Guardian, authorities are currently investigating the cause of death for the Hackman couple.
The 95-year-old Hackman and his wife, 65-year-old pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on the 26th (local time).
According to search warrants reported by foreign media, Hackman's body was found in the front entrance of the house. He was wearing a gray tracksuit and a long-sleeved T-shirt, and next to him were sunglasses and a cane. Police initially assumed that he may have collapsed suddenly.
The body of his wife Arakawa was found on the bathroom floor. Her body had already begun to decompose, with a swollen face and mummified hands and feet. Next to her was a small space heater, which is believed to have fallen when Arakawa collapsed. Adjacent to the bathroom is the kitchen countertop, which reportedly had prescription medication bottles and pills scattered across it.
The couple's pet dog was also found dead about 3 to 4 meters away from Arakawa.
Initially, carbon monoxide poisoning was mentioned as a potential cause of death. However, foreign media reported that no traces of gas leakage have been found.
Authorities have requested carbon monoxide poisoning and toxicology tests and stated that they are currently awaiting autopsy results. Police do not completely rule out the possibility of foul play.
Hackman was an actor who played distinctive characters in Hollywood films, winning the love of both the public and critics. He appeared in over 80 films across various genres, including action, crime, thriller, historical pieces, and comedy.