By Seda Sevencan
ISTANBUL (AA) – US authorities have launched an investigation into the deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife under circumstances described as “suspicious enough” to warrant further scrutiny, according to CNN.
Hackman, 95, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, and their dog were found dead on Wednesday afternoon at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The cause of death remains undetermined. There were no immediate signs of external trauma or foul play, according to preliminary autopsies and officials.
Investigators have also ruled out carbon monoxide or natural gas exposure as potential causes.
Maintenance workers discovered their bodies just before 2 pm local time Wednesday, according to the sheriff’s office affidavit for a search warrant obtained by CNN affiliate KOAT.
A 911 emergency call, also obtained by CNN, detailed the discovery.
“No, dude, they’re not moving. Just send somebody out here really quick,” the caller said after seeing two unconscious individuals through a window.
-Investigation underway
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said Thursday that the couple had likely been deceased for an extended period before they were found.
The sheriff’s office said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the couple’s deaths.
A sheriff’s deputy mentioned in the affidavit that the circumstances surrounding their deaths appeared suspicious enough to warrant a search and investigation.
However, Mendoza noted that there were no clear signs of foul play, no indications of a struggle, and no evidence that anything had been taken from the home.
According to the affidavit, fire officials and a gas company conducted tests at the home, ruling out carbon monoxide poisoning and any leaks as potential causes.
Medical examiner’s reports with the final cause of death expected in four to six weeks, according to Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office.
“We want to make sure that we get the investigation completed properly. And we want to release the proper information,” Mendoza said Thursday.