Hollywood legend Gene Hackman’s New Mexico estate, where he and his wife Betsy Arakawa both died from illness, has been sold after entering a contract just eight days on the market
22:08, 21 Feb 2026Updated 22:13, 21 Feb 2026
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa died at their home, which has been quickly snapped up after over a week(Image: Jeffrey Mayer, WireImagevia Getty Images)
A property harbouring a tragic secret connected to Hollywood legend Gene Hackman has been sold following merely eight days on the market. The New Mexico estate was listed in January and secured a contingent agreement just over a week afterwards.
Now, a month since initially being advertised, the transaction has completed and the residence has been acquired. The home previously belonged to the acclaimed actor and his spouse Betsy Arakawa, with both discovered dad alongside one of their pets within the property.
The official purchase price hasn’t been revealed and it’s probable the final negotiated closing amount will stay confidential. Gene tragically succumbed to heart disease and Alzheimer’s complications, days following his wife Betsy’s death from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome — a rodent-transmitted illness — leaving him incapable of self-care.
Gene Hackman died at home in New Mexico with his wife Betsy(Image: Getty)
Tragically, Gene’s mental state at the time may have meant he was unaware that his beloved wife of 34 years had already passed away. Gene would spend his last days in isolation in the mansion they had lovingly created together, according to the Express.
Police bodycam recordings from the property illuminate Betsy’s desperate struggle, as she battled what she mistakenly thought were COVID symptoms. Browser bookmarks saved on February 8 and 12 — the date she’s believed to have passed away — highlighted two specific symptoms she was battling, now known to have been caused by the hantavirus.
Typically, the fatal hantavirus spreads through rodent urine and faeces that people later come into contact with. Droppings were discovered in three garages, two casitas, and three sheds throughout Gene and Betsy’s extensive estate.
It is believed that Gene could have not been aware that Betsy had already died when he passed away himself(Image: Donaldson Collection, Getty Images)
Betsy’s desperate Google queries included whether COVID could trigger dizziness or nosebleeds, with specific searches for “can COVID cause dizziness?” and “Flu and nosebleeds”. Excruciating headaches rank amongst hantavirus’s main warning signs, affecting around half of all sufferers. Nosebleeds, however, are less common.
Their Australian Shepherd Zinna was also discovered lifeless in the residence, having perished from starvation whilst confined in a crate after receiving veterinary care. Two additional dogs, Bear and Nikita, survived and were successfully relocated following the tragedy.
Hackman and Arakawa initially purchased the 53-acre estate in the 90s, constructing a principal residence with three bedrooms, alongside a guesthouse and an artist’s studio. Externally, it boasts a swimming pool, a hot tub, a putting green and a pagoda.
The late actor died in his Santa Fe home, but it has already been taken off the market after 8 days(Image: Getty)
Sotheby’s International Realty listed it without a celebrity premium, concerned that the tragic history might put off potential buyers. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, listing agent Tara S. Earley said: “Everybody that came to see the property, the circumstances did not bother them.
“If it was a hurdle, then they had gotten over it.” During the eight days the house was up for sale, 12 viewings were conducted.
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