In February, authorities found Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in their Santa Fe home. New Mexico health officials uncovered evidence of rodents in eight outbuildings, a grim detail in the ongoing investigation into the couple's deaths. Betsy passed away from hantavirus-linked respiratory illness, while Gene, at 95, suffered from severe heart disease and advanced Alzheimer's.
The environmental assessment conducted shortly after their discovery revealed rodent nests, droppings, and even live rodents in multiple garages and sheds. Notably, the main house showed no signs of rodent activity, according to health reports.
With hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) symptoms including fatigue and fever, the condition can be deadly—having a 38% mortality rate once respiratory symptoms appear. The CDC has reported over 800 hantavirus cases across the U.S. since 1993, primarily in rural areas.
Hackman’s passing was recorded a week after his wife, leaving a poignant narrative on the struggles of aging and illness. Experts suggest that his Alzheimer's may have delayed his awareness of her passing.
