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Oscar Tribute Planned for the Late Gene Hackman Amidst Ongoing Death Investigation
Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, who passed away recently, will be honored at this Sunday’s Oscars ceremony. A source close to the family revealed to TMZ that fellow actor and friend Morgan Freeman will speak about Hackman as an extension of the “In Memoriam” segment. The two acclaimed actors shared the screen in the 1992 western classic Unforgiven, for which Hackman won his second Oscar.
Hackman and Freeman later collaborated on the 2000 thriller Under Suspicion, one of Hackman’s final films before his retirement from acting in 2004.
The family will not be attending the Oscars ceremony. They are currently grappling with the recent loss of Hackman and his wife, Betsy, who were both found deceased in their Santa Fe home earlier this week, along with one of their three dogs. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The Santa Fe Fire Department indicated that Hackman’s pacemaker last registered activity on February 17th, suggesting that he may have passed away on that date. While toxicology reports are still pending, both Hackman and his wife tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Adding to the mystery, reports have emerged regarding the discovery of a deceased dog in a closet within the home. Authorities have not yet provided an explanation for the animal’s death, while indicating that the other two dogs found on the property appeared to be in good condition despite the length of time since Hackman’s apparent passing. Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya noted that a back door to the home was open, allowing the surviving dogs access to the outdoors.