The Santa Fe mansion of late actor Gene Hackman was reportedly in a state of disarray before his tragic passing, it's been claimed.
Gene, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, who had been married for 34 years, were found dead at their New Mexico residence last month following a welfare check by neighbourhood security. Betsy, 65, was found on the bathroom floor near a space heater, while Gene was discovered in a room adjacent to the kitchen.
One of their dogs, Zinna, was also found dead, but two other dogs, Bear and Nikita, were found roaming the 12-acre property.
The Sante Fe County Sheriff's office confirmed the unfortunate news in a statement, saying: "On February 26, 2025 at approximately 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, 95 and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and a dog were found deceased."
Authorities later revealed that Betsy succumbed first to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare infectious disease. The Oscar-winning actor is believed to have passed away a week later, around February 18, due to heart disease, reports the Mirror.
Medical professionals have speculated that the Unforgiven star, who suffered from advanced Alzheimer's, may not have been aware of his wife's death.
The couple, who first crossed paths in the 1980s at a health club where Betsy was employed, led a secluded life and "didn't want to be bothered", neighbours say. They resided in an exclusive gated community, with fellow residents remarking that they hardly ever saw them.
"They have a gate, and we have a gate, and we just have never even seen each other," one neighbour shared with the New York Times. "He wanted to be quiet, he didn't want to be bothered, and I don't blame him."
Gene once welcomed Architectural Digest into his home back in 1990 and discussed some of the eclectic decor. "We bought a few things in Santa Fe. Other things came from auctions in New York, an antiques shop in Germany that Betsy and I found, and from Los Angeles. It's a nice combination of soft southwestern pieces and hard-edged antiques," he said at that time.
Despite the apparent luxury, reports suggest that prior to their untimely passing, their $3.5 million ranch property had fallen into disarray. "The inside of the house was shocking," an informant disclosed to MailOnline. They elaborated on the state of neglect, saying: "They didn't have a housekeeper or a maid, so it had beautiful things - furniture and paintings - but there was dog poop on the floor."
"The inside of the house was bad. Nothing had been dusted. There was nothing in the fridge."
Gene and Betsy, though not having children together, shared a deep bond. Gene was a father to Christopher Allen, 65, Leslie Anne, 58, and Elizabeth Jean, 62, from a previous relationship.
After the couple's passing, Leslie expressed her gratitude towards Betsy for her role in Gene's life, saying: "They had a wonderful marriage. And I give credit to his wife, Betsy, for keeping him alive. [Betsy] took very, very good care of him and was always looking out for his health. So I am appreciative to her for that, and I'm very saddened by her passing."
Gene's estate, valued at $80 million, was left to his wife Betsy, who acted as a successor trustee to his trust. The details regarding whether his children received anything from his will remain undisclosed, sparking speculation about a potential legal dispute over the inheritance.
Betsy's own will directs her assets to a trust aimed at supporting charitable causes and settling medical debts.
A friend of the couple spoke fondly of their relationship, noting Betsy's dedication to Gene's well-being. "She was very protective of him," the friend remarked. "She just really looked after him."
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