SANTA FE, N.M. — Authorities reported that Oscar winner Gene Hackman, his wife, and their dog were discovered deceased at their New Mexico residence on Wednesday.
While foul play is not suspected, the circumstances surrounding their deaths have not been disclosed, and an investigation is underway, according to officials.
According to spokesperson Denise Avila, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies conducting a welfare check at approximately 1:45 p.m. found Hackman, his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and a dog dead at the home.
Hackman, 95, a five-time Academy Award nominee, appeared in numerous films and was highly regarded in the industry. He won Oscars for both The French Connection and Unforgiven, 21 years apart.
The news of his passing arrives just four days before this year’s Academy Awards.
The couple resided in a gated community just outside Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico. Hackman relocated to the area in the 1980s and was often seen around town. He also served on the board of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in the 1990s, according to The New Mexican newspaper.
Hackman took on diverse roles, including action, thrillers, and even a comedic role in Young Frankenstein.
Apart from appearances at award ceremonies, he maintained a low profile in Hollywood and retired in his mid-70s.
As of early Thursday, an email sent to his publicist has not yet received a response.
