Gene Hackman, the legendary Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums, tragically passed away on February 27, 2025, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. The couple had been dead for some time before their bodies were discovered by a maintenance worker on their New Mexico estate. Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, had been married for over 30 years, with Arakawa being a classical pianist.
Initial investigations quickly ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a potential cause of death. However, a necropsy report revealed that Arakawa’s death was due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare rodent-borne disease. Hackman’s cause of death was determined to be heart disease, complicated by Alzheimer’s disease. It is believed that Hackman may not have been aware that his wife had passed away before him.
Following the deaths, the New Mexico Public Health Department conducted an environmental risk assessment of the couple’s property to determine the potential risks associated with hantavirus, particularly for first responders and family members who had visited the estate. The investigation uncovered alarming evidence of rodent activity throughout the property.
Documents obtained by TMZ show that the estate had several buildings where signs of rodent infestation were found, including garages, guest houses, and sheds. Rodent droppings, nests, and other evidence of the animals were discovered across three garages, two guest houses, and three sheds.
One of the garages contained a dead rodent and a nest, and two vehicles on the property were found to be infested with rodents, showing signs of droppings and nests. The presence of live traps set in the outbuildings indicated that the rodent problem was ongoing. Despite the severity of the rodent issue in the outbuildings, the main residence was deemed low-risk, with no signs of rodent activity inside the house.
Hantavirus is transmitted through the urine, faeces, and saliva of infected rodents. The deer mouse is the most common carrier in the United States. The disease is most commonly spread in rural and forested areas, especially in the western United States.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the form of the disease that Arakawa contracted, can lead to severe respiratory symptoms, including difficulty breathing, fever, and muscle aches. If left untreated, it can be fatal, with nearly four out of ten infected people dying from the disease. The disease progresses quickly, and early symptoms can often be mistaken for the flu, which makes diagnosis challenging.
The hantavirus was first identified in the United States in 1993, and since then, nearly 730 cases have been reported, primarily in areas west of the Mississippi River. The most severe cases of hantavirus occur in people who have been exposed to infected rodents in enclosed spaces, such as barns, sheds, or cabins. Infected individuals may develop flu-like symptoms before the disease rapidly progresses to the lungs, causing severe respiratory distress.
Hackman and Arakawa’s estate, particularly the outbuildings, provided the perfect environment for rodents to thrive. The presence of rodent nests, droppings, and dead rodents indicated that the couple’s property had been infested for some time.
Given the conditions on the estate, it is possible that the hantavirus was present for an extended period before Arakawa contracted the disease. The risk assessment conducted by the New Mexico Public Health Department was essential to determine whether the property posed any risk to those who visited or worked on the estate after the couple’s deaths.
While the hantavirus outbreak on Hackman and Arakawa’s property is tragic, it is also a stark reminder of the dangers posed by rodent-borne diseases. As public health officials continue to investigate the situation, it has become clear that rodent infestations, especially in rural areas, can pose serious health risks.
The hantavirus is a rare but deadly disease that can affect anyone exposed to infected rodents or their droppings. The virus can be contracted through inhalation of aerosolised particles from rodent urine or faeces or by direct contact with infected rodents.
The New Mexico Public Health Department’s assessment of Hackman and Arakawa’s property also highlights the importance of proper pest control and rodent management. Rodent infestations can be difficult to detect, especially if the rodents are confined to outbuildings or remote areas of a property.
In this case, the couple’s estate was large, and the rodents were concentrated in certain areas, but they still posed a significant health risk. Although Hackman’s primary residence was deemed low-risk, the ongoing rodent activity in other parts of the property was alarming.
In addition to the threat posed by hantavirus, rodent infestations can lead to other health problems, including the spread of other diseases, allergies, and asthma. Property owners, particularly those in rural areas, must regularly check for signs of rodent activity and take preventative measures to protect themselves and their families. The New Mexico case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of regular pest control and awareness of the potential health risks associated with rodent infestations.
This tragic situation also serves to remind the public about the dangers of hantavirus and the importance of recognising its symptoms. While hantavirus is rare, it is still a serious threat, particularly for those living in areas where rodents are common. Anyone who experiences flu-like symptoms after potential exposure to rodents or their droppings should seek immediate medical attention, as early intervention can improve the chances of recovery.
Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths were a shocking and sad event, and the circumstances surrounding their passing only add to the tragedy. Their story has brought attention to the dangers of hantavirus and the risks of living in areas where rodents are prevalent. The investigation into their property’s rodent infestation will hopefully help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
While the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa are unrelated to a larger outbreak of hantavirus, it is important to remember that rodent-borne diseases like hantavirus can spread in small, isolated incidents. A recent case in a small Californian town resulted in the deaths of three people, unrelated to the Hackman case, but highlighting the continuing risk of this deadly virus.
As the investigation continues and authorities work to prevent further outbreaks, the public will remain vigilant about the risks associated with rodent infestations and the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy living environment.
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Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
