Gene Hackman investigation findings: Rodents on property, dog stayed by Betsy Arakawa’s side

A recent state assessment found rodents on the expansive property in Santa Fe, New Mexico, owned by Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. However, it was determined that the main living quarters were not infested. The inspection was prompted by the deaths of Hackman, 95, due to cardiovascular disease, and Arakawa, 65, from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which is transmitted to humans through contact with rodents or their waste.

Alzheimer’s disease was listed as a contributing factor in Hackman’s death on Feb. 18, while Arakawa likely passed away on Feb. 12. The state Health Department conducted a thorough environmental assessment of the property on March 5, as revealed in documents obtained through public records.

The inspection uncovered rodent activity in various areas like the garage, guest houses, and storage facilities, but the main residence was clean. Hackman and Arakawa’s daughters mentioned that their father was in decline and not tech-savvy, relying on landlines instead of cellphones. Despite not hiring housekeepers, the property was well-maintained according to sheriff’s deputies.

The couple’s dogs were also part of the tragic discovery, with one found near Arakawa’s body and another sadly found dead in a crate. A necropsy report suggested that the confined dog may have died from lack of food and water. One of the surviving dogs was located running loose and had to be captured by authorities when the bodies were found.

The bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were found by a maintenance worker who became concerned about Arakawa’s absence and sought help from a security worker. The circumstances surrounding their deaths continue to be investigated by authorities.