Morgan Freeman paid a heartfelt tribute to his late friend, Gene Hackman, during a moving speech at the Oscars this past weekend.

The 97th Academy Awards carried a somber tone as the shadow of Hackman’s recent death hung over the event. The legendary actor, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their Santa Fe home just days before the ceremony, sparking shock and grief among fans and peers alike.

Though initial reports had suggested no foul play, the circumstances surrounding their deaths have been deemed suspicious enough to warrant further investigation. Details from a search warrant revealed that investigators were taking a closer look at the situation. The family also expressed concern that carbon monoxide poisoning might have been a factor in the tragedy.

Elizabeth Jean Hackman, one of Gene Hackman’s daughters, shared her family’s uncertainty about the cause in an interview with TMZ. “The house is fairly modern, built in 2000, but we don’t know if there were any issues with gas leaks or if there had been any recent service calls to the property,” she explained. This added to the speculation surrounding the deaths, leaving many fans and friends hoping for clarity.

As news of Hackman’s passing spread, many of his peers, including Morgan Freeman, took the opportunity to pay their respects. Freeman, who had worked alongside Hackman in the acclaimed 1992 film Unforgiven, as well as in the 2000 thriller Under Suspicion, was one of the first to address the loss during the Oscars ceremony. The two actors had shared a deep professional connection, and Freeman’s tribute was filled with admiration and respect for his late friend.

Freeman began his tribute with a somber reflection, saying, “This week, our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman. I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on two films, Unforgiven and Under Suspicion. Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work.”

He continued, honoring Hackman’s legacy and character: “Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.’ I think I speak for us all when I say, ‘Gene, you will be remembered for that, and so much more.’ Rest in peace, my friend.”

The sadness of Hackman’s passing was compounded by the confusion surrounding the couple’s deaths. While an investigation is ongoing, authorities, including the Santa Fe City Fire Department, have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning after conducting tests on the gas line and the home’s surroundings. No signs of gas leaks were found, and the New Mexico Gas Company confirmed this after additional testing.

Hackman’s body was reportedly found in a mudroom, while Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom. The details from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office search warrant indicated a disturbing scene: there was a space heater next to Arakawa’s body, and an open prescription bottle with scattered pills was found on the bathroom counter. No visible wounds or signs of trauma were noted on either individual.

A sheriff’s office spokesperson, Denise Avila, confirmed that both Hackman and Arakawa had no apparent injuries, such as gunshot wounds, which further raised questions about the cause of death. At the time of reporting, the exact duration of time that the couple had been deceased was not disclosed. However, some sources indicated that the bodies showed signs of partial mummification, hinting at a longer period since their passing.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Hackman’s colleagues and friends continue to remember him for the legendary actor he was, honoring his memory in moments like Freeman’s tribute. The Academy Awards were not only a celebration of the year’s cinematic achievements but also a reminder of the lasting impact Hackman had on the world of film and the many lives he touched during his remarkable career.

As the investigation continues, the world remains eager for answers, but the love and admiration for Gene Hackman will continue to shine through the heartfelt tributes from his friends and fans.