Gene Hackman's home was 'a mess' before his tragic death with worrying detail about his dogs

The Santa Fe mansion of late actor Gene Hackman was reportedly "a mess" before his tragic passing. The bodies of the 95 year old actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, to whom he had been married for 34 years, were discovered in their New Mexico home last month following a welfare check by neighbourhood security.

Betsy, aged 65, was found on the bathroom floor near a space heater, while Gene was discovered deceased in a room near his kitchen. Their dog Zinna was also found dead, but their other two dogs, Bear and Nikita, were found roaming the 12-acre property.

The sad news was confirmed by the Sante Fe County Sheriff's office in a statement. It read: "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 had died first from 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. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter

Medical professionals have suggested that the Unforgiven star, who suffered from advanced Alzheimer's, may not have been aware of his wife's death, reports the Mirror.

The couple, who sparked a romance in the 1980s while Betsy worked at a fitness centre, led a life of quiet and "didn't want to be bothered," neighbours have described. They resided in a hidden gated community where interactions with their neighbours were extremely rare.

"They have a gate, and we have a gate, and we just have never even seen each other," a neighbour disclosed to The New York Times. Complementing the sentiment, another local stated: "He wanted to be quiet, he didn't want to be bothered, and I don't blame him."

In a rare glimpse into their private abode, Gene showcased his home to Architectural Digest in 1990, sharing insights about the eclectic mix of the interior decorations. "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 explained during the feature.

Yet, reports suggest that before the couple's tragic demise, their $3.5 million ranch was in disarray. "The inside of the house was shocking," an insider revealed to MailOnline. Further unsettling details emerged as it was reported that despite the presence of exquisite items, the housekeeping was severely neglected.

"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 source noted, and added grimly: "The inside of the house was bad. Nothing had been dusted. There was nothing in the fridge."

Gene, who passed away along with his wife Betsy, didn't have children with her, but had three from a former relationship: son Christopher Allen, 65, and daughters Leslie Anne, 58, and Elizabeth Jean, 62. After their parents' passing, Leslie honoured Betsy for "keeping him alive" through their "wonderful marriage".

Leslie spoke warmly about the couple: "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."

It's been disclosed that Gene bequeathed his substantial $80 million fortune to his spouse, Betsy, who acted as a successor trustee to his trust. Currently, it's unknown whether his children will inherit anything, sparking speculation about possible legal disputes over his legacy.

Betsy's will directs her estate to a trust that benefits charities and pays off medical bills. A friend fondly remembered Gene and Betsy's dynamic, noting Betsy's devoted oversight of Gene's healthcare needs. "She was very protective of him," the friend recollected. "She just really looked after him."