A year has passed since the tragic discovery of the bodies of Gene Hackman and his wife in their Santa Fe residence, which is now on the market. The late actor’s final home, a spacious Southwestern-style mansion, is being offered for sale at a price tag of $6.25 million.
With six bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, this property is a true gem, according to Realtor.com. Situated within a gated community on a vast 53-acre land, the rustic abode underwent significant renovations in 1990 and was even featured in Architectural Digest the same year.
Hackman, aged 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found deceased in the house on February 26 last year. The actor passed away due to heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s, while Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus, a rare and potentially lethal pulmonary disease transmitted through infected rodents’ droppings.
Following an environmental survey, rodent feces were discovered in some outbuildings on the estate but not in the main house, as reported by the New Mexico Department of Health. Both deaths were determined to be from natural causes by New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell.
Dr. Jarrell concluded that Hackman’s death on February 18 was due to unusual pacemaker activity, while Arakawa likely passed away in the days leading up to the discovery. Records indicate Arakawa had been researching flu-like symptoms and breathing techniques in her final days.
Arakawa had conducted multiple online searches related to coronavirus symptoms, flu-related issues, and sought medical advice for congestion before her passing. Despite attempts to schedule an appointment, she never showed up at the clinic.
The bodies of the couple were found by the police two weeks after their deaths. Arakawa was discovered in the bathroom, while Hackman was found in the entrance hall, alongside one of their pet dogs, also deceased in a cage near Arakawa.
In his will, Hackman excluded his three children and left his £65 million estate to Arakawa. As she was determined to have passed away before him, his children may inherit his wealth if no alternative heir is specified in the will.
Hackman’s children, Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58, have chosen to remain silent on the matter. The iconic actor had previously spoken about the challenges of fatherhood and his estrangement from his children due to his career demands.
It remains uncertain who will benefit from the sale of the Hackman and Arakawa property.