The investigation into the deaths of two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa is ongoing. The first details are now known.
A man who worked for Hackman arrived at their Santa Fe home on Wednesday and noticed the front door was open, initial testimony said. But in his call to emergency services, the worker said he was unable to get inside when the operator asked if the people in the house were breathing, the Associated Press reported.
He and another worker told law enforcement that they rarely saw the couple and had last spoken to them two weeks ago.
The bodies were in different rooms
Investigators say Heckman was found slumped in the hallway of the house, wearing house clothes. Sunglasses and a cane were also found near him. His 63-year-old wife was found in the bathroom, near a radiator. Pills were also found scattered on a cabinet next to Arakawa.
Police also say the couple's German shepherd was found lying in a cabinet near Arakawa's body. Two other dogs were found alive and well - one inside the house and one in the yard.
Circumstances suggest investigation
The circumstances in which Heckman and his wife died are "suspicious enough" to warrant an investigation, local police said. There is no obvious evidence of foul play, but no suicide note or message from Heckman or Arakawa has been found, Sheriff Adan Mendoza told the "New York Times".
He said "nothing is clear at this time" and autopsies will provide more clarity. Law enforcement officials are not yet willing to speculate whether the deaths of Heckman and Arakawa were an accident, but it is certainly not "typical", Mendoza said.
Gas leak?
The New Mexico Gas Company is also involved in the investigation of the deaths, and is cooperating with the sheriff's office, company spokesman Tim Corte told The Associated Press. Observers interpreted the cooperation as a possible indication that authorities may be investigating suspected carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of Heckman and Arakawa's unexpected deaths.
According to the fire department, nothing was found in the house that would indicate a carbon monoxide leak or gas poisoning. However, an investigator wrote that signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are not always visible on the bodies of the deceased.