More unfortunate news regarding the deaths of two-time Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, has been made available to the public. According to a report obtained by CNN, multiple dead rodents and rodent nests were found scattered throughout their $3.8 million Santa Fe estate, where both were found dead on February 26.
The report was filed by the New Mexico Department of Public Health after a homesite environmental assessment of the multimillion-dollar property was conducted on March 5, a week after Hackman’s and Arakawa’s bodies were discovered. Records show that rodent feces were found in three detached garages on the property, as well as in two casitas and three sheds.
Per CNN, a live rodent, dead rodent, and a rodent nest were also found in the three garages at the property. According to the report, Hackman and Arakawa’s primary residence showed no signs of rodent activity and was clean. Rodents reportedly had access to eight other buildings on the property. Investigators found live traps in the outbuildings during their assessment, and rodent sightings in two vehicles found on the property.
Arakawa, 65, died on February 12th of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infectious disease resulting from a virus primarily spread via rodent droppings and urine. Arakawa was initially believed to have died on February 11th, but officials now believe that Arakawa died the following day, as she reportedly called concierge medical service Cloudberry Health early on February 12th day. She was found on a bathroom floor next to a counter scattered with loose pills, near their dog, Zinna, who was dead found in a crate in the bathroom closet.
Hackman, 95, died approximately a week after his wife on February 18, based on the last activity from his pacemaker. His autopsy reportedly showed signs of serious heart disease, with evidence of previous heart attacks and several surgical procedures, as well as advanced Alzheimer’s disease. He was found in the mudroom, off the kitchen, near his cane. Hackman tested negative for hantavirus.
The homesite environmental assessment was conducted to ensure that investigators, first responders, and family members who frequented the scene at the Sante Fe Summit home were safe following the hantavirus discovery. Erin Phipps, the New Mexico State Public Health Veterinarian, reported that risk exposure in the Hackmans’ primary residence was low. Phipps has previously said that reports of hantavirus are exceedingly rare, but are fatal in up to 42% of cases in New Mexico. Per Phipps, there have been less than 10 cases of hantavirus in the state in the last five years.
Hackman was a prolific actor who won two Academy Awards, for The French Connection (1971) and Unforgiven (1992). He married Arakawa in 1991, and retired from acting in 2004. Hackman and Arakawa lived full time on the Santa Fe, New Mexico property.
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