Gene Hackman, who was known for films like "The French Connection" and also for his performance as Lex Luthor in the Christopher Reeves-led "Superman" film in 1978, and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home this past week.

Hackman, who was dressed in gray sweatpants and a blue long-sleeved t-shirt, was found dead in the mudroom. A pair of sunglasses and a walking cane were found nearby. An officer at the scene suspected that Hackman had “suddenly fallen,” according to a search warrant affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.

Over a week after legendary actor Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead, officials say heart issues and a rare disease played a role.