Gene Hackman’s rodent-infested mansion ‘could still sell for $5,000,000’

Gene Hackman’s home could still sell for around $5million, despite being found in disarray after his death.

The French Connection actor, 95, was found dead at his Santa Fe property in February, with wife Betsy Arakawa’s body discovered in the bathroom beside one of their dogs.

It was alleged that the outbuildings were infested with rodents, with the New Mexico Department of Public Health uncovering a breeding ground for hantavirus – the illness Arakawa, 65, died from – during a health assessment.

Despite this, it has been claimed that their New Mexico estate could be sold for millions of dollars amid confusion over the Oscar-winner’s $80,000,000 fortune.

According to the Daily Mail, property records allege that the sprawling four-bed ranch is worth between $3.8m and $4m, but could get as much as $5million if it goes on the market.

‘The home is big, stylish and has great bones so there will be interest,’ a Coldwell Banker agent told the publication, sharing that the Hollywood link could drive the price up.

‘Even though two people passed away in the house, there will still be plenty of offers.’

Last month, TMZ obtained a copy of Hackman’s will, which appeared to show that he left his entire fortune to his partner, and made her the sole beneficiary in 1995.

The outlet reports that his three children, Christopher, Leslie and Elizabeth – who he welcomed with ex-wife Faye Maltese – were not named in the documents, with everything going to the classical pianist.

Arakawa’s will allegedly left most of her assets to her husband, but reportedly included a provision which stated that it would be considered a simultaneous death if they died within 90 days of each other, meaning her assets would then go to charity.

Although they were not included, TMZ reports that Hackman’s children will ‘presumably get his share’ as they are his direct living heirs.

A police investigation into their deaths began in February, shortly after they were discovered on the property.

It was later revealed that the Unforgiven star died of heart disease with advanced Alzheimer’s disease listed ‘as a significant contributory factor’, while the musician battled hantavirus – a rare, infectious condition which is typically spread through rodent urine and droppings.

The publication reports that the New Mexico Department of Public Health uncovered a ‘breeding ground’ for hantavirus in their estate, with the condition typically spreading through rodent urine and droppings.

It was alleged that the outbuildings were infested with rodents, and rats were found in three of the garages.

Droppings were discovered in another three garages, two casitas, three sheds and the two parked cars, while traps were also seen throughout the property.

However, it was determined that there were no signs of an infestation inside the main home, and that the risk of contracting the virus was ‘low’.

Earlier this week, chilling police bodycam footage from inside their home was made public, showing disarray and bloodstains in an unmade bed.

The newly-released videos also showed their German Shepard watching over Arakawa’s body in the bathroom, and touching notes the pair had written to each other.

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