Gene Hackman death investigation takes turn as police raise new concerns
The latest update on the actor's suspicious death has officials 'concerned'.
Gene Hackman investigators say that pills found at the scene of his death are now considered to be ‘of concern’.
The Bonnie and Clyde actor, 95, and wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their New Mexico home last week alongside their deceased pet dog.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza has now revealed to reporters that pills discovered near Betsy’s body are ‘significant evidence’.
‘We’re looking at [the pills] specifically, and other medications possibly in the residence,’ he said.
They stressed no conclusions had yet been reached about their role in the pair’s passings as investigators say it could take ‘weeks’ to determine the cause of their deaths.
He said: ‘Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual.
Gene and wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home in late February alongside their pet dog (Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)‘The manner and cause of death have not been determined. The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending.’
The two-time Oscar-winning actor, who was known for roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven and I Never Sang for My Father, was found on the floor of a wet room in the couple’s mansion on Wednesday, 26 February.
His wife Betsy was found in a bathroom next to a heater, and one of their three dogs was discovered dead in a cupboard. The remaining two were rescued alive.
It comes after it was revealed that Hackman’s pacemaker registered its last event on 17 February – nine days before his body was found.
Sheriff Mendoza said: ‘According to the pathologist, I think that is a very good assumption, that that was his last day of life.’
Authorities initially considered carbon monoxide poisoning but later ruled it out following an examination by the medical examiner (Picture: Getty)Officers are expected to interview Hackman’s three children from his first marriage to gather more information about the couple’s final days.
It had been reported that Hackman’s family believe carbon monoxide poisoning may have been to blame.
His daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told Mail Online that everyone is unsure of what happened, but thinks the cause may be related to toxic fumes.
Hackman’s other daughter Leslie said ‘there was no indication that there was any problem’ before her father’s death.
Authorities initially considered carbon monoxide poisoning but later ruled it out following an examination by the medical examiner.
At Sunday’s Oscars, a touching tribute was made to the actor as Morgan Freeman appeared on stage at the Dolby Theater in LA.
Sharing his love for the late star, Freeman told the star-studded ceremony: ‘This week, our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman.
Gene Hackman is seen on a screen during an ‘in memoriam’ segment at the Oscars (Picture: Getty)‘I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on two films, Unforgiven and Under Suspicion, and like everyone who would ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man who gets elevated everyone’s work.’
‘He received two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.
‘Gene always said, “I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.
‘So I think I speak for us all when I say, Gene, you’ll be remembered for that and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
