Inside the Tragic End: Photo Evidence from Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy's Santa Fe Estate Released

Newly released photos from New Mexico authorities show the inside and grounds of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa Hackman's Santa Fe estate, shedding light on the somber circumstances surrounding their deaths earlier this year.

The couple’s bodies were found at their home on February 26 after weeks of silence raised concern. Investigators documented over 700 images from the property, revealing an environment plagued by rodent infestations; evidence such as dead rodents, feces, and live traps were found scattered across multiple outbuildings including garages, sheds, and casitas.

Betsy, a classical pianist, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe illness caused by exposure to infected rodent droppings. As Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell explained, the virus mimics flu-like symptoms but can quickly worsen to respiratory and heart failure. Thankfully, hantavirus in the U.S. doesn't spread between humans, but unfortunately, the presence of rodents on the property was a dangerous factor.

Gene Hackman’s cause of death was listed as hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease still playing a significant contributing role. His body, like Betsy’s, showed signs of decomposition, which suggests he lived alone after Betsy’s passing for about a week—evidenced by his pacemaker recording activity until around February 18.

The discovery came after longtime maintenance workers, Jesse Kesler and Roland Lowe Begay, found the couple during a routine check-in, prompting a frantic 911 call. Body camera footage from that day captured poignant moments, including one of the Hackmans’ dogs, who guarded Betsy’s body, underscoring the loneliness of the final days inside the sprawling $4 million estate.

While no external trauma was found on either body, authorities deemed the deaths "suspicious enough" to warrant a thorough criminal investigation. However, the causes appear to be natural and health-related given the detailed medical findings.

In addition to physical evidence, investigators delved into Betsy’s computer searches, unveiling multiple entries about COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms shortly before her death. An email to her massage therapist on February 11 revealed concerns about Gene’s own testing after flu-ish symptoms, painting a picture of a couple battling severe health struggles in isolation.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza emphasized the delicate balance between public transparency and respecting the family’s privacy as the case documents and photo evidence are publicly released by court order. It’s a reminder of how even stars like Hackman face down quietly tragic endings.