Morgan Freeman Honors Gene Hackman at Oscars Following Actor's Mysterious Death

The 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor and his wife were found dead in their New Mexico home, prompting an ongoing investigation.

Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, was honored by Morgan Freeman during the 97th Academy Awards in a heartfelt tribute to his life and career.
Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 26, along with one of their dogs, under circumstances authorities have called 'suspicious.'
Initial investigations ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning and external trauma, with police seizing medications, cellphones, and other items to aid in determining the cause of death.
Hackman's pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, suggesting the couple had been deceased for over a week before being discovered.
Hollywood figures, including Ben Stiller and Francis Ford Coppola, have paid tribute to Hackman, reflecting on his iconic roles in films like 'The French Connection,' 'Unforgiven,' and 'The Royal Tenenbaums.'