Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their New Mexico mansion on February 26. The house had become a hotspot for hantavirus, which caused Arakawa’s death.
The $4 million mansion of actor Gene Hackman became a focus of hantavirus, a disease transmitted through rodent urine and droppings. The infestation led to the death of his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
Inspectors from the New Mexico Department of Public Health found a live rat, a dead rat, and a nest in three garages on the property, along with feces and contaminated residue.
Hantavirus transmission occurs through contact with rat urine and droppings. According to TMZ, authorities reported the presence of rodent traps on-site, suggesting someone was already aware of the infestation.
Betsy Arakawa, a pianist and wife of Gene Hackman, died around February 12 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
The Hollywood star died on February 18 from heart disease, worsened by Alzheimer’s and kidney failure. Authorities speculate that Hackman may not have realized his wife had died due to his frail condition.
Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, retired from acting after the film “Welcome to Mooseport” and had been seen in public only rarely over the past twenty years.
Photos: Instagram @morganfreeman. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
