Actor Eugene Hackman (Gene Hackman) and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home this week, with reports suggesting it was due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Along with Hackman, the star of The French Connection and The Royal Tenenbaums, and his wife, one of their dogs also died at the scene. His daughter Elizabeth Jean Hackman told TMZ that they are not currently certain, but they think the cause might be from toxic fumes.
How did Gene and Betsy die?
She added that law enforcement found no signs of foul play, however the Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza says the investigation is still ongoing.
According to the NHS, carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can make you seriously ill if you breathe it in. It is made by fires and appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal. Since the gas is colourless and does not smell, you cannot tell if it is around you.
Mendoza told the publication that the deputies performed a welfare check at the property on Wednesday to check if there were toxic fumes that would endanger deputies during their search.
The couple were found dead in different rooms, according to police, and officers have confirmed they were dead for some time before they were found.
Hackman's daughter said he had moved to New Mexico following his retirement in 2004. He had recently turned 95 and was last seen in public in March of last year walking with a cane with his wife.
Hackman is survived by his daughter Elizabeth, as well as Christopher and Leslie. Arakawa did not have any children of her own.
Following the news of his death, tributes have poured in from fans and friends around the world. Prince William has hailed Hackman as a 'true genius' in a tribute on X. Posting on the official account for the Prince and Princess of Wales, William wrote: '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. W.'
Director Paul Feig, whose has worked on films including Bridesmaids and A Simple Favor, described the actor as an 'inspiration to so many of us who love movies'.
'So many brilliant roles. His performance in The Conversation alone changed the way I looked at acting and what actors could bring to a role. Such an amazing career,' he added.
Valerie Perrine, who starred alongside Hackman in Superman, wrote, 'He was a genius and one of the greatest to grace the silver screen. I had the honour of working with him on Superman.'