Authorities have discovered nests and dead rodents at the home of late actor Gene Hackman and his wife, highlighting potential links to his wife's fatal illness.
Rodent Infestation Linked to Deaths of Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa
Rodent Infestation Linked to Deaths of Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa
Investigators link hantavirus outbreak to rodent nests discovered at the actors' estate.
Nests and deceased rodents were uncovered in various outbuildings of the residence where Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, met their tragic ends. According to New Mexico Department of Public Health records reviewed by BBC News, evidence of rodent activity was noted in eight detached structures on their Santa Fe property.
Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, succumbed to a respiratory disease linked to the hantavirus, a virus transmitted by infected rodents, while Gene Hackman, 95, was found dead a week later. Officials posit that Arakawa died on February 12, while her husband passed away on February 18, with their bodies discovered on February 26.
An environmental assessment conducted on March 5, following their deaths, revealed the presence of rodent droppings, a live rodent, dead rodents, and a nest across three garages. Furthermore, additional droppings were found in two external structures and three sheds on the property. Notably, rodent sightings, including nests and faeces, were also documented in two abandoned vehicles on the grounds.
Although rodent nests were discovered, public health authorities reported that the main residence showed no evidence of rodent activity. Medical investigators believe Betsy Arakawa contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a serious lung disease displaying symptoms such as extreme fatigue, fever, and muscle pain, which ultimately led to her untimely death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hantavirus infections mainly occur when airborne particles from rodent droppings, urine, or saliva are inhaled. The mortality rate for HPS with respiratory symptoms is approximately 38%. From 1993 to 2022, the CDC documented 864 hantavirus cases in the United States, predominantly in rural areas.
Gene Hackman’s death was attributed to severe heart disease, with advanced Alzheimer's disease identified as a contributing factor. Medical experts suggested that his cognitive decline may have left him unaware of his wife's passing within their shared home.
