An investigation into the deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has uncovered distressing evidence of rodent infestation at their New Mexico property. The New Mexico Department of Public Health's findings reveal nests and deceased rodents in several outbuildings adjacent to the couple's home.
Rodent Infestation Linked to Tragic Deaths of Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa
Rodent Infestation Linked to Tragic Deaths of Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa
Recent discoveries near the home of the late actor Gene Hackman reveal a concerning connection to hantavirus-related deaths.
Authorities confirmed that 65-year-old Betsy Arakawa passed away from complications linked to hantavirus, an illness transmitted by infected rodents. It is believed she died about a week before her husband, Gene Hackman, who was 95 and suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease at the time of their deaths. Their bodies were discovered later in February.
Following the couple's death, an environmental inspection conducted on March 5 revealed alarming signs of rodent activity, including nests and feces in three garages, along with additional droppings found in other structures on the property. Traps had been set up in these areas due to the evident presence of rodents, indicating a significant infestation.
Medical experts speculate that Betsy contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a serious respiratory illness that can manifest in symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. If respiratory issues arise, the condition has a high mortality rate according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highlighting the serious risks posed by this virus.
In the period between 1993 and 2022, the CDC documented a total of 864 hantavirus cases in the U.S., primarily in rural areas, underscoring the dangers that come with rodent exposures in such settings. Gene Hackman succumbed to severe heart disease, with Alzheimer's contributing to his decline, leading experts to suggest he may not have fully understood his wife's passing.
This tragic case not only highlights the dangers of hantavirus but also serves as a reminder of the often unseen risks posed by wildlife in residential settings.
Following the couple's death, an environmental inspection conducted on March 5 revealed alarming signs of rodent activity, including nests and feces in three garages, along with additional droppings found in other structures on the property. Traps had been set up in these areas due to the evident presence of rodents, indicating a significant infestation.
Medical experts speculate that Betsy contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a serious respiratory illness that can manifest in symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. If respiratory issues arise, the condition has a high mortality rate according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highlighting the serious risks posed by this virus.
In the period between 1993 and 2022, the CDC documented a total of 864 hantavirus cases in the U.S., primarily in rural areas, underscoring the dangers that come with rodent exposures in such settings. Gene Hackman succumbed to severe heart disease, with Alzheimer's contributing to his decline, leading experts to suggest he may not have fully understood his wife's passing.
This tragic case not only highlights the dangers of hantavirus but also serves as a reminder of the often unseen risks posed by wildlife in residential settings.
