US investigators are trying to establish how Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, died after the discovery of their bodies at their home in the US state of New Mexico.

Legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home Wednesday along with their dog in circumstances officials deemed “suspicious enough” to warrant thorough investigation.

OSCAR-winning actor Gene Hackman has been found dead alongside his wife and one of their dogs. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed just after midnight the couple had passed away.