Authorities are investigating the mysterious deaths of actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 64, who were found dead in separate rooms in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. One dog was also found dead, while two were found alive. The couple’s bodies were discovered during a welfare check prompted by a neighbor’s concern. Arakawa’s body showed signs of decomposition, along with mummification of her hands and feet. No obvious cause of death was found, and foul play is not suspected at this time, but the circumstances surrounding the scene raised enough suspicion to require a thorough investigation. New Mexico Gas Company denied any evidence of a leak in their home.
Hackman, one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, was nominated for five Oscars in his career (Unforgiven, Mississippi Burning, I Never Sang For My Father, Bonnie & Clyde) and won in 1971 for The French Connection. He was one of the top leading men during the “New Hollywood” era of the 1970s and maintained his prominence through the ’80s and ’90s. He also portrayed Lex Luthor opposite Christopher Reeve’s Superman, and also showed off his comedic chops for memorable roles in Get Shorty, The Birdcage, and The Royal Tenenbaums. He retired from acting in 2004 and has kept a low profile ever since. (NPR)