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.

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa are feared to have died by “compassion suicide“, according to an expert probing their deaths. Knewz.com can reveal speculation is mounting the pair may have made a pact to kill themselves has been ramped up by James Gill,

The actor’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died of a respiratory illness linked to rodents, New Mexico officials said. Mr. Hackman had Alzheimer’s, which contributed to his death from heart disease.