Santa Fe, Mar 4 (UNI) The deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa may have been the result of an unfortunate accident rather than foul play, according to a prominent forensic pathologist.

Hackman (95) and his wife Arakawa (65) were found dead in their home along with their deceased dog in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26. They were discovered in different parts of the home and had both been dead for several days, according to authorities.

At a February 28 press conference, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that Hackman's pacemaker had stopped functioning on February 17, nine days before his body was discovered. Renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner of New York City, hypothesised that the two-time Academy Award winner likely suffered a fatal cardiac event, exacerbated by advanced coronary artery disease and hypertension, as per a report by PEOPLE.

Arakawa's body was discovered in the bathroom near prescription medication and a space heater, raising questions about the sequence of events.

Baden theorised that she may have discovered her husband in distress and rushed to retrieve his blood pressure medication, only to suffer a fatal accident herself.

"She may have struck her head on the way down and had some internal injury to the brain that doesn't show up on the outside or bleeding in the inside of the brain," he told Fox Report.

Authorities noted that Arakawa's remains showed signs of mummification, indicating she had been deceased for an extended period. Hackman was found fully clothed, his sunglasses nearby, indicating he might have collapsed mid-action.

The deceased dog was found just a few feet from Arakawa and experts believe it likely died from dehydration due to being trapped inside the house.

Hackman, one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, rose to fame with unforgettable roles in "The French Connection", "Unforgiven", and "The Royal Tenenbaums".

Arakawa, a talented classical pianist, was his devoted partner since their 1991 marriage.

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