Authorities find rodent nests near house where Gene Hackman’s wife died due to hantavirus

International

HEALTH authorities found clear evidence of rodent activity in multiple buildings around the home of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, following their deaths earlier this year in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

In a report by BBC, public health documents showed rodent droppings, nests, and even dead and live rodents were discovered in eight detached structures near the couple’s home.

These findings came from an environmental inspection conducted on March 5—just a week after their bodies were discovered inside their residence.

Arakawa, 65, died from a severe respiratory illness caused by hantavirus—a virus transmitted through rodent excreta. Her condition, known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), includes symptoms like fever, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, and can escalate rapidly.

Authorities believe she died around February 12, while Hackman passed away six days later, on February 18. Both were found on February 26.

Although the main house was found clean and free of rodent presence, nearby structures told a different story.

Rodent nests, droppings, and sightings were noted in three garages, three sheds, and two smaller buildings located within 45 meters of the home.

Officials also found traces in abandoned vehicles and farm machinery located within the property.

It was learned that traps had already been set in several of these outbuildings, which suggests rodent activity had been a known concern prior to the investigation.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that hantavirus is often spread through inhaling particles from dried rodent urine, feces, or saliva.

Though rare, the disease is serious, with a 38% mortality rate once lung symptoms develop. Between 1993 and 2022, 864 cases were documented in the US, mostly in rural western regions.

Hackman, aged 95 and known for his Oscar-winning acting career, was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease.

Medical reports listed severe heart disease as the cause of death, with Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor. Experts believe his condition might have prevented him from realizing his wife had passed away.(Loremie T. Bustria, CTU-TC Intern)