Authorities have found evidence of significant rodent presence in the outbuildings of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Santa Fe home, where Betsy died from hantavirus, prompting further investigations.
Rodent Nests Discovered at Home of Late Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Amid Hantavirus Investigation
Rodent Nests Discovered at Home of Late Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Amid Hantavirus Investigation
A detailed environmental assessment reveals concerning rodent activity at the Santa Fe residence of Gene Hackman and his late wife Betsy Arakawa, linked to her hantavirus death.
Nests and deceased rodents were detected in various outbuildings of the residence where Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found deceased this past February. The New Mexico Department of Public Health's records indicate confirmation of rodent presence across eight detached structures situated near their home in Santa Fe. Betsy was reported to have died due to a respiratory illness likely connected to hantavirus, a disease transmitted by infected rodents.
It is suspected that Betsy Arakawa passed away on February 12, while her husband, who battled advanced Alzheimer's disease, died a week later. Both were discovered deceased together on February 26. An environmental assessment was conducted following their deaths on March 5, identifying multiple signs of rodent activity. Findings included fresh rodent droppings, live rodents, dead rodents, and nests located within three garages, in addition to further droppings in external houses and sheds.
In addition, signs of rodent activity were observed in two abandoned vehicles on the property, with all eight outbuildings lying within close proximity to the main residence, which New Mexico health officials remarked was "clean" at the time of inspection.
Medical experts indicate that Betsy contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), noted for severe respiratory symptoms, which can lead to rapid deterioration of health and has a high mortality rate of around 38% when respiratory symptoms manifest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported nearly 864 cases of hantavirus in the United States since 1993, mostly affecting rural areas in the West.
Gene Hackman's death is attributed to severe heart disease, with Alzheimer's as a contributing factor. Experts suggest that his condition may have hindered his awareness of his wife's passing in their shared home. The case has raised concerns surrounding hantavirus exposure and rodent control in residential areas.
