Rodent infestation found at Gene Hackman’s home after wife’s hantavirus death

Rodent feces and remains were found in multiple outbuildings

Stars Insider

10/03/25 | Paul Bernhardt

HEALTH Diseases

An environmental assessment of Gene Hackman's New Mexico property uncovered extensive rodent infestations in outbuildings, following the death of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Hackman died days later from heart disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a contributing factor. While the main residence showed no rodent activity, detached structures harbored nests and droppings, prompting health officials to assess risks to visitors and family members.

The deaths of Hackman and Arakawa made headlines around the world. Hackman was one of Hollywood's most venerated actors, while Arakawa was a classical pianist of prodigious talent. At 95 years old and known to be suffering from a heart condition and the effects of Alzheimer's, Hackman's passing was perhaps expected. But mystery surrounded the demise of 65-year-old Arakawa until health officials identified her demise as a respiratory illness linked to hantavirus.

But what exactly is hantavirus, how is it transmitted, and why is it often deadly? Click through this gallery for an explanation.

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