The sprawling Southwestern-style mansion has been listed at $6.25 million a year after the couple were found dead in the home - with their deaths both ruled as natural causes
18:07, 17 Jan 2026Updated 18:07, 17 Jan 2026
A year after the tragic discovery of Gene Hackman and his wife's bodies, their Santa Fe home is up for sale. The renowned actor's final residence, a sprawling Southwestern-style mansion, has been listed for a cool $6.25 million.
Boasting six bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, the property is a real gem, as per Realtor.com.. Despite its expansive 53-acre plot, the house is also nestled within a gated community.
The rustic dwelling underwent extensive renovations in 1990 and was featured in Architectural Digest that same year. Hackman, aged 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found lifeless in the house on 26 February last year.
The legendary actor succumbed to heart disease complicated by Alzheimer's, while Arakawa fell victim to hantavirus. Hantavirus is a rare yet potentially lethal pulmonary disease transmitted through the droppings of infected rodents.
An environmental survey of the estate discovered rodent faeces in several outbuildings, but none in the main house, according to a report from the New Mexico Department of Health. Both deaths were deemed natural causes, stated New Mexico chief medical examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell.
She concluded that Hackman passed away on 18 February due to unusual activity on his pacemaker, while Arakawa likely died in the days preceding. Official records reveal that in her last days, Arakawa had been searching for information on flu-like symptoms and breathing techniques.
During the period from February 8 through to the morning of February 12, Arakawa conducted numerous internet searches on her laptop relating to coronavirus and flu-related symptoms.
She additionally researched whether dizziness and nosebleeds were symptoms of Covid. On February 12, Arakawa repeatedly rang a medical practice seeking advice about "congestion," according to Dr Josiah Child, who headed the clinic.
"There were a couple calls back and forth to just schedule that appointment for the afternoon, but she never showed up," Dr Child revealed to the BBC. Our office called back several times and never got an answer."
Police uncovered the pair's remains a fortnight afterwards. Officers found Arakawa's body in the bathroom, whilst Hackman was discovered in the home's entrance hall. One of the couple's pet dogs was also found deceased in a cage beside Arakawa's body.
In his will, Hackman excluded his three offspring, instead bequeathing his £65 million estate to Arakawa. Given that authorities concluded Arakawa passed away prior to the two-time Oscar-winning legend, his offspring could now stand to receive his wealth provided no alternative heir is specified in his will.
Hackman's offspring – Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58, whom he fathered with former spouse Faye Maltese – have remained silent on the situation.
The iconic Hollywood star had previously opened up about the challenges of fatherhood, having been estranged from his children for extended periods.
"You become very selfish as an actor," he admitted to The New York Times back in 1989.
"Eve Even though I had a family, I accepted roles that would keep us apart for three or four months at a stretch. The allure of the money and recognition was too much for the poor boy in me to resist."
It's not immediately apparent who will profit from the sale of Hackman and Arakawa's property.
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