Rodent Infestation Linked to Deaths of Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa

Rodents have been found in multiple outbuildings surrounding the home of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, raising concerns over hantavirus linked to Ms. Arakawa's death.

 

Nests and deceased rodents were uncovered in various outbuildings at the New Mexico residence of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, along with his late wife, Betsy Arakawa. According to records from the New Mexico Department of Public Health, inspectors documented significant rodent activity in eight detached structures surrounding their home—a site of recent tragedy. Reports confirm the untimely death of 65-year-old Ms. Arakawa was attributed to a respiratory illness related to hantavirus, while her husband, 95, who suffered from advanced Alzheimer's disease, passed away shortly after her on February 18.

Authorities discovered the couple's bodies on February 26 after a welfare check prompted by concerns over their well-being. Subsequent environmental assessments, conducted a week later, revealed evidence of a significant rodent infestation, including droppings and nests located in garages, external houses, and sheds on the property. Despite these findings, the main house showed no signs of rodent activity, as indicated by public health officials in an extensive report.

Medical experts suggest Ms. Arakawa may have contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe lung condition resulting from exposure to the hantavirus, which is commonly carried by rodents. The illness can be contracted via airborne particles from rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, and has a mortality rate of approximately 38% in cases presenting respiratory symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infections in the U.S. have predominantly occurred in rural areas, especially in the West.

While Ms. Arakawa’s death raised alarm bells regarding the health threat posed by rodent populations, Mr. Hackman’s cause of death was identified as severe heart disease, with Alzheimer's disease contributing to the circumstances. Experts speculate that Mr. Hackman’s deteriorating mental state may have prevented him from realizing his wife had succumbed to her illness in their shared home.