KRT STAND ALONE ENTERTAINMENT PHOTO SLUGGED: ESPNNEXTPARTY KRT PHOTOGRAPH BY LIONEL HAHN/ABACA PRESS (February 5) Gene Hackman attends the ESPN The Magazine NEXT Party in Jacksonville, Florida, on February 4, 2005. (Photo by cdm) 2005
(Santa Fe, NM) — Police now say they are unsure how Gene Hackman, his wife and dog died in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. The three were found by cops during a welfare check on Wednesday afternoon. They say the front door to the home was open and pills were found on the ground.
The deaths of Academy Award-winning actor and his wife are being ruled “suspicious now.” Hackman’s youngest daughter says she had not spoke with her father in months, but that he was a fit 95-year-old.
Hackman was a Hollywood legend, having appeared in dozens of movies including The French Connection, Unforgiven, Bonnie and Clyde and three Superman films. Hackman and his wife of over 30 years were found dead in their Santa Fe home this week, but officials said they could have been deceased for “some time.” New Mexico officials say cause of death reports could take four to six weeks.
A tribute to Gene Hackman is expected at this Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony.
