Actor Gene Hackman and his wife made Santa Fe their home decades ago. The northern New Mexico city has a reputation of being a refuge for actors and authors seeking to escape the spotlight.

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman’s pacemaker shows he probably died on Feb. 17, days before investigators found his body and that of his wife in their New Mexico home.

Mr. Hackman, who was found dead with his wife and one of their dogs, had written novels and painted since leaving Hollywood behind for retirement in New Mexico.

Authorities said there were no obvious signs of foul play, but that the circumstances of their deaths warranted further investigation.

Gene Hackman, who has died aged 95, started his acting career later in life but became one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. The US actor, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and their dog were found dead at their home in Santa Fe,