Gene Hackman's Home Declared Hantavirus Breeding Ground After Assessment

Following the tragic deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, an environmental assessment revealed that their New Mexico property was a 'breeding ground' for hantavirus. Arakawa, aged 65, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on February 12, while Hackman, 95, died from heart disease exacerbated by Alzheimer's and kidney disease a few days later. The New Mexico Department of Public Health found evidence of rodent infestation across multiple outbuildings, including droppings, nests, and live rodents, although the main residence was deemed low-risk with no signs of infestation. The assessment aimed to ensure the safety of first responders who may have been exposed to the virus, which is rare but potentially fatal. Hantavirus is transmitted through contact with infected rodent waste, and the report noted that the couple's property had ongoing rodent issues. The couple's bodies were discovered on February 26 by security personnel after they had been deceased for some time.