Gene Hackman Estate Sells Fast Amid Sad Past

Gene Hackman's Santa Fe estate, a sprawling 53-acre property, has been sold for $6.25 million, less than two weeks after its listing. The sale of the home, where the acclaimed actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in February 2025, was finalized swiftly. Real estate agents noted that while some buyers might be deterred by a death occurring on the property, others focus on its inherent value.

Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe illness linked to rodent exposure. Her last known communication was an email on February 11, 2025. Gene Hackman, 95, passed away shortly thereafter due to complications from severe heart disease, high blood pressure, and advanced Alzheimer's disease. His pacemaker showed activity until around February 17, suggesting he was home with his wife's body for several days.

The estate, where Hackman had resided since the 1990s, offers a lap pool, a hot tub, a putting green, and artist's studio across its wooded grounds. Both the main residence and guest house contain three bedrooms each. The main house features large windows and a library, reflecting the couple's life and memories built on the property over the years. A private memorial was held for them in April 2025.