By Benno Schwinghammer

Santa Fe (New Mexico, USA) - Actor and Oscar-winner Gene Hackman (†95) and his wife Betsy Arakawa (†63) may have been dead for several weeks, according to the sheriff's department.

According to initial findings, it could be that the bodies of the two had been lying in the home of the two in Santa Fe in the US state of New Mexico for "several days, possibly even up to several weeks", Sheriff Adan Mendoza told the TV station NBC.

The investigation into the background to the mysterious deaths was in full swing, Mendoza added. Particular attention was being paid to a container of pills that had been discovered near Arakawa's body. This was a "very important piece of evidence" and "worrying", said Mendoza.

The bodies of both were discovered on Wednesday, February 26 in their property - Arakawa's on the floor of a bathroom, Hackman's in an entryway.

One dog was also discovered lifeless, while two other dogs survived. According to a search warrant, the front door was slightly ajar.

The relevant sheriff's department described the circumstances as "suspicious enough" to initiate a comprehensive investigation, even if no crime is assumed.

The New Mexico Gas Company, which supplied the property, is assisting in the investigation. According to the sheriff, it may be some time before the results of an autopsy are available.

Gene Hackman was considered one of the most important actors of his generation. The two-time Oscar winner became famous for films such as "French Connection" (1971), "The Conversation" (1974) and "Merciless" (1992).

He retired from Hollywood in the early 2000s and lived with Arakawa in Santa Fe.