Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley halts broadcast to announce sad 'breaking' news
Good Morning Britain host Richard Madeley halted Thursday's (February 27) broadcast to announce some sad "breaking" news.
During today's episode of the ITV news programme, Richard and his co-host Kate Garraway revealed that legendary actor Gene Hackman had been found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple's dog was also found dead in their Santa Fe home.
"We've got some breaking news that's just come in. Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy, have been found dead in their home in Santa Fe, alongside their dog," Richard said.
"As I say, the couple's dog was also found dead inside the property. The police have said there was no immediate indication of foul play. The couple have been married, apparently, since 1991. That's all we have at the moment, but any more, of course, we'll bring to you."
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"Yes, we will bring you more. That's incredibly shocking and immediately questions are going to be asked as to why, but how devastating," Kate added.
Later on in the show, the hosts shared new information that had been released by authorities.
"A little bit more information coming through to us now on that pretty shocking breaking news we brought to you a few minutes ago," Kate said.
"The local sheriff has made a statement but it's pretty limited on detail. He confirmed that there was no immediate indication of foul play, but did not provide a cause of death, which, of course, has prompted a lot of speculation about what might have gone wrong. Richard Arnold and others are looking into more detail."
Santa Fe county sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the news to local media just after midnight on Wednesday that the couple had died, along with their dog.
"We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail," he said in a statement.
"This is an active investigation - however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor."
Gene's career spanned more than six decades. During that time, he won two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, four Golden Globes and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
He is best known for his role as Lex Luthor in the Superman movies in the 1970s and 1980s. He also starred in hit blockbusters Runaway Jury and The Conservation, as well as Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am
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