Gene Hackman’s family release statement as death called ‘suspicious enough’ for investigation

Gene Hackman’s family have shared a statement after the actor's death was deemed ‘suspicious enough’ for an investigation.

The two-time Academy Award winning actor, 95, was found dead alongside his wife of 34 years Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their pet dog in their home in Sante Fe, New Mexico on Wednesday (26 February).

A search warrant obtained by the Daily Mail said that Hackman's body was found in a 'mudroom' and Betsy was found in the bathroom.

It also stated that the pair were 'partially mummified'.

We're still waiting for an official cause of death, with police calling the incident 'suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation'.

They cited factors such as the front door being open when the bodies were discovered, an open pill bottle found near Arakawa's body, along with the discovery of two healthy dogs alongside the dog who died.

Hackman's daughter suspects that the couple died from a carbon monoxide leak, although the search warrant stated there were 'no obvious signs of a gas leak'.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy,” a family statement received by the New York Post read.

“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,” daughters Elizabeth and Leslie, and granddaughter Annie said

“We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”

Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, 63, were found dead at their property in Sante Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday (Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)

New Mexico Gas Company is said to be working with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office in the ongoing investigation, spokesperson Tim Korte told the Associated Press.

The company has already been inside the home, according to the search warrant.

Hackman is considered to be one of the greatest actors of all time, having won two Oscars, two BAFTAs, four Golden Globes and a Screen Actors Guild award.

His credits include Superman, Unforgiven, The French Connection and Mississippi Burning.

Hollywood stars have been issuing tributes on social media, as Morgan Freeman said working with Hackman was 'one of the personal highlights of my career'.

Hollywood has paid tribute to the legendary actor (Getty Images/Bettmann)

Viola Davis called him 'one of the greats', while Tom Hanks said: "There has never been a 'Gene Hackman Type.' There has only been Gene Hackman."

The Prince of Wales has also shared a statement, which reads: "So sad to hear the news of the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy.

"Hackman was a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity and star quality."

Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after revealing later on that he was suffering from heart problems.

In a 2009 interview with Empire magazine, he said: "The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York.

"The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress."