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Hollywood Icon Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead in Santa Fe Home
Santa Fe, NM – Legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered deceased at their Santa Fe residence on February 26. The couple’s bodies were found in a state of partial decomposition and mummification, suggesting they may have been deceased for approximately 15 days before law enforcement intervened. A subsequent autopsy revealed that Hackman’s death resulted from heart disease, exacerbated by Alzheimer’s, occurring roughly a week after Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and potentially fatal illness transmitted by rodents. Their untimely deaths have sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond.
Uncertainty Surrounds Hackman’s Estate Following Tragic Deaths
The timeline of events has exposed a critical detail regarding the actor’s estate planning, potentially placing his substantial £62 million fortune in legal uncertainty. Hackman, believed to have passed away around February 18, had established a living trust. However, with both Gene and Betsy deceased, no living trustee is currently available to manage the assets. The disposition of the couple’s considerable wealth remains unclear, as neither Hackman nor Arakawa reportedly designated any family members as beneficiaries in their wills.
Remembering Gene and Betsy Hackman: A Private Life in New Mexico
The tragic circumstances surrounding Gene and Betsy Hackman’s deaths have overshadowed their three decades together and the peaceful existence they cultivated in New Mexico. Friends and colleagues have begun sharing recollections of the couple, including anecdotes featured in the documentary ‘Last Days of Gene Hackman: ABC News Special’.
Tributes from Friends and Associates
Real estate agent Kevin Bobolsky described Hackman: “He was a gentle giant, very calm.” Bobolsky further noted Arakawa’s devotion: “Betsy, I think, mostly did all the cooking and cleaning on this big estate out of love. She just adored him. So they had everything they wanted.”
Hackman’s Pursuit of Privacy in Santa Fe
Publicist Susan Madore, who collaborated with Hackman for 27 years, shared insights into his relocation to Santa Fe in the 1990s. According to Madore, Hackman sought “an artistic life” away from the intense scrutiny of fame. She recounted his purchase of land adjacent to a waste disposal site, specifically to enjoy undisturbed bicycle rides.
Madore, speaking to Rolling Stone, explained: “He wanted the privacy of being able to ride his bike without anyone following him or observing him.”
She further disclosed that Arakawa contacted her after the land purchase, stating “she wanted me to be aware if anyone called asking why Mr. Hackman lived at the dump.”
Estate Moves to Protect Post-Mortem Privacy
Last month, representatives for the Hackman estate initiated legal actions to prevent the release of post-mortem documentation by the Office of the Medical Investigator and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, concerning autopsy reports. Kurt Sommer, representing the estate at a recent hearing, emphasized the couple’s lifelong commitment to avoiding publicity. Sommer argued that their right to privacy and control over their public image should extend beyond their passing.