Rodents Found on Property Where Gene Hackman and His Wife Betsy Died

Quelle: VIDEOELEPHANT (Glomex)

In the outbuildings of Gene Hackman's home in Santa Fe, where he and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead, rodent nests and carcasses were discovered.  Arakawa, 65, died from a respiratory illness associated with the Hantavirus, likely contracted through contact with infected rodents. It is believed she passed away around February 12, about a week before Hackman, 95, who was in advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. Their bodies were found on February 26. An environmental inspection revealed rodent droppings, a live rodent, dead rodents, and nests in eight standalone structures near the main house, including garages, sheds, and abandoned vehicles. The main house showed no signs of infestation. The Hantavirus is spread through airborne particles originating from infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.  When respiratory symptoms occur, the disease is fatal in about 38% of cases. Since 1993, the CDC has recorded 864 cases in the US, most in rural western areas. Hackman's cause of death was severe heart disease, with Alzheimer's listed as a contributing factor. Experts believe his condition may have prevented him from realizing his wife had died.