A rat infestation revealed the alarming conditions in which the couple lived
The situation was even more serious. Betsy Arakawa, a renowned 65-year-old classical pianist, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a disease transmitted by the urine and feces of infected rodents. Although no signs of infestation were detected in the main house, constant exposure in other areas of the property would have been lethal, and the infection undoubtedly occurred in her own residence.
A recent report revealed the alarming conditions in which actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa lived in their mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The finding shed definitive light on one of the most shocking cases in Hollywood in recent times.
Although Hackman and Arakawa's deaths were clarified weeks ago, a new report from the New Mexico Department of Public Health, published by the site TMZ, exposed a chilling detail for everyone: the couple's luxurious residence was, in fact, a massive rat infestation hotspot, something extremely delicate.
According to the document, in the property, an extensive mansion located in a gated community, remains of rodents, nests, and droppings were found in at least eight areas, including service houses, garages, barbecue areas, and even in vehicles. "It was a breeding ground for infestation," details the official department report that reveals the conditions in which the couple lived.
The report also reveals that the couple was aware of the problem. Rat traps were found throughout the property, indicating that they were trying to control the situation on their own but without success.
Gene Hackman, 94 years old and with advanced Alzheimer's, died a few days after his wife's death. According to investigators, the actor was left disoriented and unprotected, wandering alone around the house until a heart failure ended his life.
The report provoked a strong reaction among Santa Fe residents, who now fear a possible hantavirus outbreak in the area. At least three more deaths from the same cause have already been reported in recent weeks.
