Rodent Infestation and Hantavirus Found at Property of Late Actor Gene Hackman
Following the February deaths of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, a health assessment of their New Mexico estate revealed a severe rodent infestation that fostered a deadly disease. The property, now under scrutiny after the passing of the acclaimed actor and his spouse, was found to be riddled with rats, raising concerns about hantavirus exposure.
Discovery of the Deaths and Initial Investigation
On February 26, security personnel discovered the deceased bodies of Gene Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65, at their residence. Authorities were alerted after the security team observed the couple through a window.
Initial speculation pointed towards carbon monoxide poisoning as a potential cause of death. However, this theory was quickly dismissed when investigators found their dog also deceased on the premises.
Hantavirus and Heart Disease Confirmed as Causes of Death
Subsequent investigations determined that Arakawa’s death, occurring around February 12, was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This rare and potentially fatal illness is contracted through exposure to hantavirus, typically spread via contact with infected rodent waste.
Hackman’s death followed several days later, on February 18. Medical examiners concluded his passing was due to severe heart disease, complicated by Alzheimer’s and kidney disease.
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Due to Hackman’s pre-existing health conditions at the time of his wife’s death, investigators considered the possibility that he may have been unaware of Arakawa’s passing.
Health Assessment Uncovers Severe Rodent Problem
A week after the bodies were discovered, the New Mexico Department of Public Health conducted a comprehensive health assessment of the property.
The assessment, as reported by TMZ, uncovered extensive evidence of rodent activity. Dead rodents and nests were located in ‘eight detached outbuildings,’ transforming the area into a significant ‘breeding ground’ for the hantavirus.
Details of the Rodent Infestation
Hantavirus transmission typically occurs through inhalation or direct contact with rodent urine and droppings, often during cleaning activities in enclosed spaces such as basements or attics.
Inspectors documented rodent droppings in various locations across the estate, including three garages, two casitas, and three sheds.
Further findings revealed live rodents, dead rodents, and active rodent nests in an additional three garages.
Evidence of rodent infestation was also observed in two vehicles on the property. The presence of rodent traps within the outbuildings suggested the Hackmans were aware of and attempting to manage the ongoing rodent issue.
Health Risk Assessment and Property Status
The primary objective of the health assessment was to evaluate potential hantavirus exposure risks for first responders and others who had been present on the property.
Results from the assessment indicated that the main residence itself was considered ‘low-risk,’ showing no indications of rodent infestation within the home.
Hantavirus Background and Rarity
Hantavirus was initially identified in South Korea in 1978 when researchers successfully isolated the virus from a field mouse.
While rare in the United States, fewer than 50 cases are reported annually. For comparison, West Nile Virus sees approximately 2,000 reported cases in the US each year.
Following Arakawa’s death, the hantavirus reportedly claimed three additional victims in Mammoth Lakes, California.
Estate Details and Public Disclosure
According to Hackman’s 1995 will, Arakawa, his wife since 1991, was named as his sole beneficiary.
Arakawa’s will stipulated that in the event of both spouses dying within 90 days of each other, the estate proceeds would be donated to charitable organizations.
Gene Hackman retired from acting after the 2004 film “Welcome to Mooseport” and maintained a low public profile in his later years.
Release of Investigation Details
Earlier this month, court order led to the public release of body camera footage and other investigative materials related to the Hackman property.
A New Mexico judge’s ruling permitted the disclosure of redacted police body camera video and other investigative documents, including images of the couple’s deceased dog.
Prior to this ruling, a temporary court order had restricted the release of all photos, videos, and documents from the investigation to protect the Hackman family’s constitutional right to privacy.
Kurt Sommer, an attorney representing the estate, argued for continued privacy, emphasizing the couple’s efforts to remain out of the public eye during their lives and asserting that control over their names and likenesses should extend to their estate after death.
Judge Matthew Wilson ultimately permitted the release of details, with the provision that no images or videos depicting the bodies of Hackman or Arakawa would be disclosed.
‘There shall be no depiction of either body in any video production’ or photographic image of the bodies,” Judge Wilson clarified in response to attorney inquiries.
Body Cam Footage and Initial Response
The released body cam footage shows deputies interacting with the workers who initially contacted authorities after observing someone lying on the floor inside the Hackman residence.
With no signs of forced entry or other indications of suspicious activity, deputies inquired about potential gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. The workers dismissed these possibilities.
‘Something’s not right,’ one worker stated, as shown in the footage.
Authorities promptly ruled out gas leaks as a cause, deepening the mystery surrounding the deaths and drawing public interest to the case.
Conclusion of the Investigation
The investigation concluded when medical examiners officially confirmed Hackman’s death as resulting from heart disease with complications from Alzheimer’s, occurring approximately one week after his wife succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.