Family of Gene Hackman pay heartbreaking tribute to star after he was found dead alongside wife Betsy Arakawa & pet dog
THE grieving family of Gene Hackman has broken their silence since the Hollywood star's tragic death.
Gene, his wife Betsy Betsy Arakawa, were mysteriously found dead in separate rooms of their Santa Fe mansion.
In a heartbreaking statement, Gene Hackman’s family has confirmed the tragic passing of the double Oscar winner and his wife of 34 years of marriage.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy," said Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth, Leslie, and Annie Hackman.
"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 mystery surrounding the deaths of the couple deepens as authorities continue to investigate.
Hackman, 94, and Betsy were found dead in separate rooms of their $3.8 million Santa Fe mansion.
It’s believed that they may have passed away weeks ago, with one body showing signs of what authorities are calling "mummification."
However, experts suggest this likely refers to advanced decomposition, not true mummification, which typically takes much longer.
The couple was discovered on Wednesday afternoon by a close friend, who found them in their home and immediately called the police.
According to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, the scene also revealed that one of their dogs had died, while the others survived.
REMARKABLE CAREER
Gene Hackman’s career took off with his role as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967.
He went on to star in the Superman films and appeared in hits like Mississippi Burning, Unforgiven, Crimson Tide, and The Poseidon Adventure.
In 1972, he earned the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection.
Hackman received a second Academy Award in 1993, winning Best Supporting Actor for his role as Little Bill Daggett in the western Unforgiven, alongside Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Anna Thomson.
The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture.
Over his illustrious career, Hackman appeared in over 100 films.
He was nominated for five Academy Awards, won two Oscars, earned two BAFTA nominations, and received three Golden Globe awards.
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