New Mexico authorities say preliminary autopsy results didn't determine how Oscar-winner Gene Hackman and his wife died, but did rule out carbon monoxide.

In March last year, a frail-looking Gene Hackman clung onto the arm of his wife as they made their way to a local restaurant. It was the first time the couple had been seen in public for over 20 years.

As in past years, the In Memoriam segment of Sunday’s Oscar telecast quickly became controversial because of the stars who were left out of the montage, notably ‘Gossip Girl’

"This week, our community lost a giant and I lost a dear friend," said Freeman, who worked with Hackman in two films, including 1992's Unforgiven, which won Hackman his second Oscar. "Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him I learned he was a generous performer whose gifts elevated everyone's work,

Gene Hackman was honored at the Academy Awards by his 'Unforgiven' co-star Morgan Freeman: "Our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend."