A recent environmental assessment has confirmed the presence of rodent nests and droppings at the New Mexico home of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, highlighting the potential link to hantavirus that led to Ms. Arakawa's death.
Investigation Reveals Rodent Problem at Home of Gene Hackman and Wife Prior to Deaths
Investigation Reveals Rodent Problem at Home of Gene Hackman and Wife Prior to Deaths
Environmental assessment uncovers rodent nests and droppings linked to hantavirus at the home of the Oscar-winning actor and his late wife.
In a troubling development surrounding the tragic deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, an environmental investigation has revealed significant rodent activity at their New Mexico residence. Health records from the New Mexico Department of Public Health specified that nests and deceased rodents were discovered in multiple outbuildings connected to the home.
Betsy Arakawa, who was 65, succumbed to a respiratory illness believed to be linked to hantavirus, a disease spread by contact with infected rodents. Reports indicate that she died just a week prior to her husband, Gene Hackman, 95, who was facing advanced Alzheimer's disease. Authorities found the pair deceased in February, prompting a deeper examination of their property.
On March 5th, environmental teams conducted an assessment revealing disturbing evidence: rodent feces, a live rodent, dead rodents, and nests were located in three garages. Additional droppings were noted in two smaller external buildings and three sheds. Traps had been deployed throughout the area, which included sightings of rodents and nests in derelict vehicles on the grounds.
Importantly, the report indicated that while the eight detached outbuildings were heavily infested, the main house itself showed no signs of rodent activity. Public health officials noted that all structures were positioned within close proximity to the main living area of the couple.
Experts speculate that Ms. Arakawa may have developed hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which presents severe respiratory symptoms and has a mortality rate of approximately 38% when unexpected respiratory complications arise. The disease is typically acquired when the virus, prevalent in rodent waste, becomes airborne.
Hackman's death was attributed to serious heart disease, with Alzheimer's noted as a key contributing condition. Specialists suggested that his cognitive decline could have inhibited his awareness of his wife's passing.
This tragic situation underscores the sometimes hidden dangers of hantavirus and the need for vigilance in environments where human and rodent populations intersect.
