AceShowbiz - Gene Hackman, the two-time Oscar-winning actor known for his remarkable roles in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," has sadly passed away at the age of 95. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, a 64-year-old classical pianist, was also found dead beside him in their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence.

The devastating news has left not only their family in deep sorrow but also fans and co-stars around the globe. "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy," said Hackman's daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, and granddaughter Annie.

"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."

The couple's bodies were discovered on Wednesday afternoon, February 26 by Santa Fe County sheriff's deputies. Hackman was found in a room near the kitchen while Arakawa's body was located in the bathroom, alongside an open pill bottle and scattered medication.

Disturbingly, law enforcement also found a deceased dog in a closet and two other healthy dogs on the property. Initially, the authorities did not suspect foul play. However, the unlocked and open front door, along with other unusual signs, led them to reconsider.

"The death of the two deceased individuals [is] 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," stated the warrant.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office has since commented, "Foul play is not currently suspected as a factor in those deaths. Cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI)."

Yet, the decomposition and mummification observed in Arakawa's body, coupled with similar conditions in Hackman, have raised further questions. Elizabeth Hackman had initially speculated carbon monoxide poisoning, but tests ruled out this possibility.

Hackman's legacy in Hollywood is cherished by many, including co-stars like Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman. Eastwood, who directed and acted alongside Hackman in "Unforgiven," paid tribute by saying, "There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much."

Freeman added on Instagram, "One of the personal highlights of my career was bringing the French film Gardé a Vue (Under Suspicion) to life with the incredibly gifted Gene Hackman. Rest in peace, my friend."

Hackman's movie credits include classics like "Bonnie and Clyde," "I Never Sang for My Father," "Scarecrow," and "Hoosiers." He retired from acting in 2004 but left an indelible mark that continues to influence the world of cinema.

The Hackman family, grappling with this immense loss, and the global fanbase are united in mourning the loss of a true legend. The ongoing investigation hopes to reveal more about the mysterious circumstances surrounding their deaths, offering some closure to this tragic event.