New and troubling details are emerging surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their Santa Fe home in New Mexico. A health report obtained by TMZ reveals that the couple’s estate was heavily infested with dead rodents and nests, leading to concerns about the property’s condition.
According to an environmental assessment conducted by the New Mexico Department of Public Health in March, Betsy died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe illness caused by hantavirus.
The virus is transmitted through the urine, droppings, and saliva of infected rodents. Investigators discovered rodent feces in several areas of the property, including three garages, two casitas, and three sheds. In one garage, both live and dead rodents were found, along with a nest.
Additionally, two of the couple’s vehicles were also infested with rodents, showing clear signs of droppings and nests. The infestation appeared to be an ongoing issue, as live traps were found in the outbuilding. Just days before their deaths, Betsy had reached out to a medical concierge service for assistance on February 12.
Hantavirus primarily affects the lungs, with flu-like symptoms initially, followed by more severe illness. Betsy’s body was discovered in the bathroom, with a space heater placed near her head and an open prescription bottle with pills scattered on the counter.
The public health report concluded that the property posed a potential breeding ground for hantavirus. In contrast to Betsy, Gene Hackman, the legendary actor, passed away from heart disease and advanced Alzheimer’s disease. His body was found in the mudroom, with both of their deaths showing “obvious signs of death.”
Fortunately, the primary residence showed no signs of rodent activity inside, and the health service took measures to ensure the safety of first responders and family members who had visited the property.
Gene, 95, and Betsy, 30 years his junior, were found dead alongside their dog on February 27 by a maintenance worker. The heartbreaking discovery shocked friends and fans, with Morgan Freeman paying tribute to Hackman during the Oscar memoriam segment at the 97th Academy Awards.
Freeman shared, “Our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend… Gene Hackman. He received two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.”
“Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy, I hope people just remember me as someone who tried to do good work.’ And Gene, you will be remembered for that. And so much more.”
