Gene Hackman’s family ‘devastated’ over death of their ‘dad and grandpa’: statement

nypost.com:

was found dead on Wednesday at 95, his daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, and his granddaughter, Annie, released a statement. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy,” they told The Post on Thursday.“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,” the continued. “We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.” The actor’s wife of 34 years – pianist Betsy Arakawa, 63 – and one of their dogs were also found dead with him in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home.

The sheriff’s office said the “exact cause of death has not been determined” and initially revealed that foul play was “not suspected as a factor.”Elizabeth told TMZ she suspected her father and stepmother died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

However, the police noted in the affidavit that the deaths were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.” The door to their home was “unsecured and opened,” but there was no sign of forced entry or theft.

Authorities also found an open orange prescription pill bottle and pills scattered around the room where Arakawa and one of their German shepherds were discovered, according to the report.