Gene Hackman’s death investigation drew intense public attention. One of the biggest questions was whether rats were found at his Santa Fe, New Mexico property.
Investigators documented rodent activity on parts of the estate. The main house itself was clean.
Health officials found signs of rodent infestation in detached structures on the property. The main home where Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa lived showed no rodent activity.
What Investigators Found On The Property
Public health records showed rodent activity across several detached structures on the Santa Fe County property. New Mexico public health officials conducted an environmental assessment, and the New Mexico Department of Public Health and New Mexico Department of Health reviewed the site.
Rodent Activity In Garages, Sheds, And Casitas
Investigators found evidence in eight detached buildings, including garages, sheds, and casitas. According to a BBC report, they found rodent nests, droppings, and a live rodent in parts of the property, plus evidence in abandoned vehicles or farming machinery.
The infestation appeared localized in the outbuildings rather than the main home. Several buildings sat within about 50 yards of the residence.
Dead Rodents, Rodent Droppings, And Live Traps
Health officials documented dead rodents, rodent droppings, and live traps placed around the grounds. Records described a rodent infestation in garages and smaller exterior buildings, along with clutter that could support nesting.
The presence of dead rodents and droppings signaled ongoing infestation. Someone had already tried to control the problem by placing traps.
What The Homesite Environmental Assessment Said About The Main House
The homesite environmental assessment drew a clear line between the outbuildings and the main house. Public health officials said the primary residence was clean and showed no signs of rodent activity.
The evidence pointed instead to the surrounding property, where detached buildings showed the most contamination risk.
Why The Rodent Findings Mattered
The rodent findings tied directly to a deadly public health concern. Investigators searched for possible exposure to hantavirus, which can spread through contaminated environments where rodents have been active.
How Hantavirus Spreads
Rodents carry hantavirus, and people can be exposed when airborne particles from dried rodent urine, droppings, or nesting material are inhaled. Investigators pay close attention to garages, sheds, and other enclosed spaces for this reason.
The CDC notes that rodent control and cleanup are key because even indirect contact with contaminated dust can be dangerous.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome And Flu-Like Symptoms
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, or HPS, can start with flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, dizziness, and stomach issues. As the illness worsens, it can lead to severe respiratory distress and lung failure.
New Mexico health officials, including Erin Phipps, have spoken publicly about the seriousness of hantavirus exposure in the state.
What The CDC And New Mexico Officials Have Said
Officials have warned that hantavirus is rare, yet often severe when it reaches the lungs. CDC data noted a significant fatality risk once respiratory symptoms develop.
New Mexico officials emphasized that prevention starts with avoiding contact with rodent urine, droppings, and nests.
How The Death Investigation Came Together
The death investigation unfolded in stages. Medical findings and scene evidence built a timeline.
Dr. Heather Jarrell, Sheriff Adan Mendoza, and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office each played a role as officials reviewed the couple’s final days.
What Officials Said About Betsy Arakawa
Authorities said Betsy Arakawa likely died first, and her death was linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. She was 65, and officials believed she may have been dead for days before anyone realized what had happened.
Body camera footage and the scene details helped investigators piece together what maintenance workers later encountered.
Gene Hackman’s Reported Health Conditions
Gene Hackman, the two-time Oscar winner, had severe heart disease as his cause of death, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing factor. Reports also described hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, along with dehydration.
These health conditions may have affected his awareness of what was happening around him. The combination of heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease made the circumstances especially tragic.
When Maintenance Workers Found The Couple
Maintenance workers found the couple after they noticed something was wrong at the property.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office worked through the scene. They used body camera footage and other evidence to document the timeline.
The discovery connected the property findings and the health investigation. The reported medical causes of death also became clear.
Rats were not reported in the main house. However, the surrounding property showed clear signs of rodent activity.
