Rodent nests found near house where Gene Hackman's wife died of hantavirus

Nests and dead rodents were found in outbuildings of Gene Hackman’s home. He was an Oscar-winning actor, and his wife is Betsy Arakawa.

Records from the New Mexico Department of Public Health show evidence of rodents. This was documented in eight detached buildings at their Santa Fe home.

US officials confirmed that Ms. Arakawa, 65, died from a respiratory illness linked to hantavirus. This virus can be transmitted by infected rodents.

It is believed she died about a week before her husband, 95. He was in advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. Authorities discovered the couple's bodies in February.

An environmental assessment took place on March 5, one week after they were found. This was part of the investigation into their deaths.

The assessment found rodent feces, a live rodent, and a dead rodent in three garages. There were also droppings in two small external houses and three sheds. Traps had been set up around the property.

Rodents were seen near two abandoned vehicles or farming machinery on the grounds. All eight detached buildings were within 50 yards (45 meters) of the main house.

New Mexico public health officials reported that the main house showed no signs of rodent activity. They stated it was "clean."

Authorities believe Ms. Hackman died around February 12 and her husband on February 18. Their bodies were discovered on February 26.

Medical investigators think Ms. Arakawa contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). This life-threatening lung condition has symptoms like fatigue, fever, and muscle aches.

Hantavirus is carried by rodents and can be transmitted through inhalation of airborne particles from droppings or urine.

Infections occur when these particles become airborne according to the CDC. If respiratory symptoms develop during HPS, the mortality rate is about 38%.

The CDC reported 864 cases of hantavirus in the US between 1993 and 2022, mostly in rural western states.

Mr. Hackman's cause of death was severe heart disease with advanced Alzheimer's as a contributing factor. Experts told BBC that Alzheimer's may have prevented him from realizing his wife had died at home after more than 30 years together.