Dead Rodents and Feces Found on Gene Hackman Property: Reports

Rodent Infestation Discovered at Former Home of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa

Following the deaths of celebrated actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, authorities discovered evidence of rodent infestation on their Santa Fe, New Mexico, property. Reports indicate that deceased rodents and rodent waste were found throughout the estate after the couple’s passing.

Discovery of Rodents and Infestation

Hackman and Arakawa were found deceased at their Santa Fe residence on February 26. Arakawa, aged 65, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare illness transmitted by rodents.

Health Risk Assessment Conducted

According to accounts, the New Mexico Department of Health performed a risk assessment at the couple’s estate on March 5, a week after their bodies were discovered. This evaluation was undertaken to ensure the safety of first responders and other individuals who had accessed the premises.

Details of Property Infestation

Documents revealed on Monday, April 14, detailed the findings. Deceased rodents and rodent nests were located in eight separate outbuildings on the Hackman-Arakawa estate. Rodents and their droppings were present in three garages, while droppings alone were also found in two casitas and three sheds.

Low Risk in Main Residence

Health Department personnel indicated that the primary residence was considered clean, posing a low risk of hantavirus exposure, according to reports.

Causes of Death Confirmed

New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell affirmed in March that Hackman’s death was attributed to hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a notable contributing factor. He was 95 years old.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Arakawa’s cause of death was confirmed as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The Mayo Clinic explains that this infection typically arises from inhaling airborne hantaviruses originating from rodent urine, excrement, or saliva. Due to limited treatment options, the Mayo Clinic emphasizes that avoiding contact with rodents and practicing safe cleanup of rodent-inhabited areas are the most effective preventative measures.

Estimated Time of Death

Officials suggested that Arakawa likely passed away prior to Hackman, around February 12, while Hackman’s death occurred approximately on February 18.

Family Mourns Loss

Following news of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths, their family issued a statement expressing their grief. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy,” conveyed Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, and granddaughter Annie. “He was beloved and admired by countless individuals globally for his exceptional acting career, but to us he was simply Dad and Grandpa. We will deeply miss him and are heartbroken by this loss.”