James Gill, Chief Medical Examiner, with the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, is not investigating Hackman's death in his professional capacity. But he offered insight into the tragedy to PEOPLE, theorizing that a “companion suicide” — where a couple dies by suicide together — is not likely.

The mystery surrounding Gene Hackman and his wife's death continues, after the Hollywood great was found dead in his Santa Fe home, having died a number of days earlier

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities misidentified a deceased dog while investigating the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, according to a pet care specialist.