Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26. Arakawa, who was 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease that can be contracted from rodents. Following their deaths, a risk assessment was conducted on their property by the New Mexico Department of Health. Dead rodents and rodent nests were found in eight detached outbuildings on their estate, with rodents and feces present in three garages, as well as feces found in two casitas and three sheds.
The Department of Health staff stated that the risk of exposure to hantavirus in the couple’s primary residence, which was considered clean, was low. New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed that Hackman died from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributing factor. Arakawa’s cause of death was confirmed to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, an infection caused by inhaling hantaviruses that have become airborne from rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Given the limited treatment options for the disease, the Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding contact with rodents and safely cleaning up rodent habitats as the best protection.
Officials determined that Arakawa likely died before Hackman, approximately on February 12, while Hackman passed away around February 18. Following their deaths, Hackman and Arakawa were mourned by their loved ones in a statement to Us Weekly. His daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with granddaughter Annie, expressed their sorrow at the loss of their father and grandfather, acknowledging his global admiration for his acting career but emphasizing his role as a beloved family member. The family expressed their devastation at the loss of both Hackman and Arakawa.
The discovery of dead rodents and feces on the couple’s property highlighted the risks associated with hantavirus and the importance of maintaining a clean and safe living environment to prevent exposure to such diseases. The tragic deaths of Hackman and Arakawa serve as a reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk in seemingly innocuous settings, emphasizing the need for awareness and precautionary measures to protect against health hazards such as hantavirus. The news of their passing prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and loved ones, who remembered Hackman for his illustrious acting career and embraced the loss of a beloved family member and friend in Arakawa.
In the aftermath of their deaths, the investigation into the presence of rodent-related hazards on the couple’s property shed light on the risks associated with hantavirus and the importance of taking precautions in rodent-infested areas to prevent disease transmission. Authorities undertook measures to assess and address the potential health risks posed by the rodent infestation, aiming to ensure the safety of individuals who had accessed the estate as well as first responders. The findings of the risk assessment underscored the significance of maintaining a clean and sanitary living environment to mitigate the threat of diseases linked to rodent activity, serving as a cautionary tale for others to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their health and well-being.
Ultimately, the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa brought attention to the dangers of hantavirus and the importance of understanding and addressing potential health hazards in one’s living environment. Their passing served as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and preventative measures to protect against diseases transmitted by rodents. As their loved ones mourned their loss and the public grappled with the tragedy, the legacy of Hackman’s distinguished career and the personal impact of their deaths resonated with fans and family members alike, leaving a lasting impression of the importance of health and safety in the face of unforeseen risks.
