Entertainment
‘Infested’: Chilling New Details Revealed From Gene Hackman Death Investigation
Nearly two months after Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead inside their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, newly released records from state health officials reveal disturbing environmental conditions on the couple’s property. A Department of Public Health assessment conducted March 5—just over a week after the couple’s bodies were discovered—found a severe rodent infestation across eight detached outbuildings.
The homesite assessment, initiated to protect first responders and family members entering the property, found evidence of rodent nests, feces, and even dead rodents in various garages, sheds, and casitas. It was reported that feces were identified in three garages, two casitas, and three sheds.
Additionally, a live rodent, dead rodent, and a nest were found in the detached garages.
The New Mexico Department of Health noted that two vehicles—one operable and one possibly abandoned—also contained signs of rodent activity, including droppings and nests. Live traps had been set in multiple structures around the property.
While the primary residence was deemed clean and free from rodent activity, the other buildings posed a serious risk. “The risk of exposure in the primary residence was low,” Dr. Erin Phipps, New Mexico State Public Health Veterinarian, told CNN, confirming the home itself showed “no signs of rodent activity.”
GENE HACKMAN & wife at the Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. 19JAN2003. Paul Smith / Featureflash
Arakawa, 65, a classical pianist, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—a rare but often deadly infection that humans contract through contact with infected rodents or their waste.
According to Dr. Phipps, “We have identified 136 infections over the past 50 years in New Mexico residents, five of these in Santa Fe County. This is a serious disease. Forty-two percent of these infections here in New Mexico were fatal.”
Hackman, 95, reportedly survived for about a week after his wife’s death before passing away himself. The last activity on his pacemaker was recorded on February 18, which authorities believe was likely the day he died.
Their bodies weren’t discovered until February 26, when maintenance workers found the couple, along with one of their dogs, dead inside the home. Gene Hackman’s cause of death was determined to be hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing factor.
Los Angeles – circa 1992: Actor Gene Hackman is spotted driving.
The initial discovery prompted a full criminal investigation. According to a Fox News report citing a search warrant affidavit, detectives described the scene as “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”
However, external trauma was ruled out, and the residence was cleared for carbon monoxide poisoning by the Santa Fe City Fire Department. Officials confirmed that both Hackman and Arakawa had tested negative for carbon monoxide exposure.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), the illness that claimed Arakawa’s life, is typically spread by deer mice in the U.S. and cannot be passed from person to person. Symptoms usually begin with fever, fatigue, and muscle aches in major muscle groups and can escalate to fluid in the lungs and respiratory failure.
The virus becomes airborne when infected rodent waste is disturbed—commonly during cleaning or renovations in enclosed spaces. The couple had been married for over 30 years, largely avoiding the public spotlight in recent years.
