AG百家乐在线官网

Gene Hackman death latest: Deaths of actor and wife 'suspicious enough' to require 'investigation' - police warrant

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife have been found dead at their home in New Mexico. Police are investigating and searching the property. Follow this page for the latest updates on the investigation and tributes to the Hollywood legend.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch Gene Hackman in some of his most famous roles
Why you can trust Sky News
We're pausing our coverage

We'll be pausing our coverage on the death of Gene Hackman for now - but we'll be back with any new updates.

Here is what we currently know: 

  • Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been found dead at their home;
  • The couple had been dead for some time and were found in different rooms when officers found them, according to a search warrant from police in Santa Fe;
  • The deaths are "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation," according to a police search warrant;
  • Spokesperson Denise Avila said deputies responded to a request to do a welfare check at around 1.45pm local time to find the couple and their dog dead at the scene;
  • Hackman's family have paid tribute to him;
  • Earlier, his daughter Elizabeth Jean Hackman told TMZ the couple may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning;
  • The authorities said foul play isn't suspected, but they haven't disclosed how the couple died.
Hackman's wife helped him to write novels

Gene Hackman married Betsy Arakawa in 1991.

The couple met in the 1980s at the gym where she then worked.

The details of her life and career are not widely known. She was apparently born in Hawaii in the 1960s.

She was a classical pianist, who supported Hackman in his later life as he turned to writing novels.

Back in 2014, he praised her for her "unwavering, specific read-throughs" of his work.

As we reported earlier today, the couple apparently had a quiet life. 

Hackman is on record as saying they liked to watch DVDs together.

Family statement after Hackman's death

A statement has just come in from the family of Gene Hackman.

In a statement, his relatives said: 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.
Elizabeth, Leslie and Annie Hackman

Why police have deemed deaths 'suspicious enough' for a 'thorough search and investigation'

Earlier, we explained why police are investigating at Hackman's home.

Now we have more details from the police on the exact reasons for their investigation.

Here's that quote in full from the police search warrant:

"Circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation because the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened, deputies observed a healthy dog running loose on the property, another healthy dog near the deceased female, a deceased dog laying 10-15 feet from the deceased female in a closet of the bathroom, the heater being moved, the pill bottle being opened and pills scattered next to the female, the male decedent being located in a separate room of the residence, and no obvious signs of a gas leak.鈥�

Details of evidence found by police so far, according to search warrant document

Returning to the police investigation, we have some more details to bring you on the search at Gene Hackman's home.

As we reported earlier, the deaths are being seen as "suspicious enough" to investigate.

Here's a summary of the evidence so far, straight from the police search warrant:

  • Officers found all other buildings and the garage to be locked and secured after a search.
  • They did not find any signs of forced entry or any evidence of belongings being taken.
  • Nothing appeared to be "out of place", they said.
  • Santa Fe City Fire Department conducted testing to determine if there were signs of a possible carbon monoxide leak (or poisoning). They did not find any signs of a leak. 
  • The New Mexico Gas Company also carried out tests on the gas line in and around Hackman's home. "There are no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated to the pipes in and around the residence."
  • As we reported earlier, police also noted there might not be obvious injuries after death from a gas leak.
  • Searches continue for "biological material, trace evidence, or latent fingerprints at the residence which could assist with working out a cause of death". 
  • "There are no immediate signs or indications of blunt force trauma. Officers are seeking to seize any blunt force objects in the event there is any indication of blunt force trauma once the Office of Medical Investigations arrives on scene; and conducts their initial field investigation and possible cause of death." 
Tributes to 'true legend' and 'one of the very, very best'

Two more tributes to Gene Hackman now.

British House Of The Dragon actor Steve Toussaint describes him as "one of the best".

He added on Instagram: "One of the very, very best, has passed. Everything you ever wanted to know and learn about the craft of screen acting could be found in any, ANY of his performances. 

"The French Connection. Crimson Tide. The Conversation. Gosh! 

"I could go on鈥� A master."

While Cary Elwes, known for Saw, The Princess Bride and a recent Mission: Impossible movie, called Hackman a "true legend".

The actor added in his tribute: "The magnificent Gene Hackman has passed away. 

"A man whose breath of talent was immeasurable. 

"Growing up on his movies was an absolute thrill for me. To observe his remarkable facility and humanity in every role was something to behold. 

"Whatever film he was in, he made it better. 

"A force of nature like no other and as such there will never be another like him."

Deaths 'suspicious enough' to require 'thorough search and investigation'

We can bring you new details from the police search warrant now, which are being reported by our US partner NBC News.

The police document says the deaths of Hackman and his wife are "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation".

Hackman鈥檚 daughter Elizabeth declined to comment when reached by phone, NBC added.

Two maintenance workers said they found the front door of the home ajar and the couple dead inside, according to the search warrant. 

It states that - later - police "did not observe any signs of forced entry into the home".

Arakawa鈥檚 body was found on the floor of a bathroom. A space heater was near her head and a prescription bottle of pills was located on the counter, the warrant says.

The responding deputy believes the heater "could have fallen in the event the female abruptly fell to the ground". 

The pills from the bottle were "scattered on the counter-top," the warrant adds. 

A German shepherd was found about 10 feet from her in a closet in the bathroom.

Hackman was found dead in a mudroom near the kitchen, according to the warrant. It states that the deputy believes he may have suddenly fallen.

Two other dogs were found alive on the property; one was in the bathroom with Arakawa and the other was outside the home.

Josh Brolin 'crushed' by news of sudden deaths

No Country For Old Men and Avengers star Josh Brolin reacted to the news of Gene Hackman's death on Instagram earlier.

He said: "I am crushed by the sudden deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa (and their dog). Crushed. 

"He was always one of my favorites. 

"Not many who beat to their own drums like he did. 

"Rest in Peace."

'You were one of the greats'

Viola Davis, known for starring in films like Fences and The Help, was among those who paid their respects to Gene Hackman today.

She wrote on Instagram: "Loved you in everything! The Conversation, The French Connection, The Poseidon Adventure, Unforgiven 鈥攖ough yet vulnerable. 

"You were one of the greats. 

"God bless those who loved you. 

"Rest well, sir." 

More details on the police investigation

There are no indications Gene Hackman or his wife Betsy Arakawa had been shot or had suffered any other types of wounds, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff鈥檚 Office.

As we reported earlier, Hackman was found in a mudroom - a room designed for dirty or wet footwear and clothing - and his wife was found dead in a bathroom.

The New Mexico Gas Co. is working with the police in the investigation, spokesperson Tim Korte told The Associated Press. 

The utility tested the gas lines in and around the home after the bodies were discovered. That search is not understood to have found any problems indicating a gas leak.

But a detective noted that people exposed to gas leaks or carbon monoxide may not show signs of poisoning.

Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, which runs the state鈥檚 medical examiner operations, declined to comment on whether any conclusions had been reached on the cause and manner of the deaths.