Nests and deceased rodents have been located in several outbuildings of the property where famed Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found deceased. Records from the New Mexico Department of Public Health, reviewed by BBC News, indicate evidence of rodent infestations across eight detached structures on the estate.
Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, is reported to have succumbed to a respiratory illness related to hantavirus, a disease transmissible through infected rodents. It is believed she passed away roughly a week prior to her husband, who was later discovered with advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. Both bodies were found by authorities on February 26.
An environmental assessment conducted on March 5, following their discovery, revealed concerning findings, including rodent feces, both live and dead rodents, and nests within three garage spaces, along with additional droppings in external buildings and sheds. Furthermore, rodents had been spotted around abandoned vehicles and agricultural machinery on the property.
The detached workspaces were situated within 50 yards of the main living area, which, notably, showed no signs of rodent activity according to public health officials’ report. It is postulated that Ms. Arakawa’s death occurred on February 12, followed by her husband’s on February 18.
Medical investigators suspect she contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a critical lung condition leading to a sudden death. Symptoms of HPS can manifest as fatigue, fever, muscle pains, and gastrointestinal issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the hantavirus, spread through airborne particles from dried rodent waste, has been implicated in numerous infections throughout the United States since 1993, predominantly in rural areas.
Gene Hackman’s death has been attributed to severe heart disease, with the advanced Alzheimer’s contributing to his condition. Experts suggest the nature of his illness may have left him unaware of his wife’s passing. This incident raises alarming awareness about the dangers posed by hantavirus and rodent infestations in residential areas.
