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Rodent Activity Discovered on Gene Hackman’s Santa Fe Estate Following Couple’s Death
An official assessment of the expansive Santa Fe, New Mexico, property owned by the late actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, revealed the presence of rodents across the grounds. This discovery follows the recent deaths of Hackman and Arakawa, prompting investigations into the circumstances surrounding their passing. While rodents were detected on the estate, the report indicated the main residence remained free of infestation.
State Health Inspection Details Rodent Presence
The inspection, conducted by the state Health Department, was initiated after the separate deaths of Gene Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65. Hackman’s death in February was attributed to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor. Arakawa’s death was determined to be from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a disease transmitted to humans through contact with rodents or their excrement.
The “homesite environmental assessment,” conducted on March 5 and obtained through the state’s Inspection of Public Records Act, detailed the findings of the property sweep.
Arakawa’s Final Days and Health Concerns Unveiled
Documents released by Santa Fe authorities include a February 11 email from Arakawa to her masseuse, canceling an appointment due to Hackman’s illness. In the email, Arakawa mentioned Hackman experiencing “flu/cold-like symptoms” and testing negative for COVID-19, but opted to cancel “out of an abundance of caution.”
Investigators’ reports note Arakawa’s visits to a grocery store and a pet food store on the same day, potentially marking her last public appearances before her death.
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Security footage confirmed these visits, and the pet food store owner verified Arakawa’s presence on February 11, stating she frequented the store once or twice weekly to purchase specific food, including “gently cooked rabbit,” for her dogs.
Hackman’s Declining Health and Private Lifestyle
Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman, informed investigators about their father’s deteriorating condition. They recounted an incident on January 30, 2024, where they had to remind him multiple times that it was his birthday, highlighting his cognitive decline.
The daughters also described Hackman’s unfamiliarity with modern technology, noting his exclusive use of landline phones and avoidance of cellphones.
According to the daughters, the couple valued their privacy and did not employ housekeepers, though sheriff’s deputies described the main residence as orderly.
Rodent Infestation Concentrated in Outbuildings
While Hackman’s daughters stated they had not observed rodents in the main house but had seen mouse traps, state health inspectors confirmed the presence of rodent traps during their March 5 inspection.
The inspection revealed:
- Live rodents, dead rodents, and rodent droppings in a detached garage.
- Rodent droppings in two guest houses and detached storage facilities.
- A rodent nest, a live rodent, and a dead rodent among vehicles and farm machinery on the property.
Elizabeth VinHatton, the report’s author from the state Health Department, indicated rodent activity in all three garages and both houses on the property, with sheds readily accessible to rodents.
However, she specifically noted: “Main dwelling clean with no signs of rodent activity.”
VinHatton estimated the main house’s size to be between 8,000 and 9,000 square feet. A real estate listing for the address specifies the residence as an 8,761 square foot, four-bedroom home situated on a 6-acre lot.
Discovery of Bodies and Concerns for Animals
Body camera footage from Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office deputies documented the scene upon their arrival, showing the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa blurred from view.
The video captured one of the couple’s three dogs, identified by deputies as a German shepherd, remaining close to Arakawa’s body.
Deputy J.L. Thomas noted in his report, “I also observed a large, brown in color German Shepard dog sitting approximately five feet away from the deceased female.”
Tragically, another dog was found deceased inside a dog crate nearby.
Dog’s Death Possibly Linked to Neglect
A necropsy report, included in the released documents, revealed veterinary pathologist John Ragsdale’s conclusion that the dog confined in the crate may have died from lack of sustenance and hydration if confined during the period between the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa, whose bodies were discovered on February 26, approximately eight days after Hackman’s death.
A third dog was found loose on the property and required luring and trapping on the day the bodies were discovered, according to the sheriff’s report.
Hackman’s family authorized a friend to take custody of the two surviving dogs.
Maintenance Worker’s Discovery Leads to Investigation
The couple’s bodies were discovered when a contract maintenance worker, concerned about Arakawa’s lack of communication, visited the residence and requested assistance from a security worker to check the premises. The maintenance worker located Arakawa’s body, and the security worker subsequently found Hackman’s, as detailed in Deputy Thomas’ account.