15-04-2025
Gene Hackman Investigation: Dead Rodents, Nests Found on Property
Originally appeared on E! Online
More has come to light about Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's residence.
After the French Connection star and his wife of 33 years were found dead along with one of their dogs in their Santa Fe home in February, authorities revealed the state of their sprawling property in New Mexico Department of Public Health records obtained by CNN.
The March 5 assessment—which was conducted to ensure the safety of investigators, first responders and others with access to the property—found dead and alive rodents, as well as rodent nests, in three detached garages. Officials also discovered rodent feces in three garages, two casitas and three sheds, per the outlet.
While the eight buildings on the premises were accessible to the rodents, including two vehicles on the property, the documents noted that the couple's primary residence didn't show any signs of rodent activity and was deemed clean by the department.
The assessment was essential as Arakawa, 65, had died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—a respiratory illness that is transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents—Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed in a press conference.
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Days after her passing, Hackman, 95, died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor.
Following their deaths, friends of the couple speculated that Arakawa, who was also Hackman's caretaker, likely didn't know how sick she was since the illness is so rare.
"I'm sure if Betsy knew how sick she was, she would've had some backup help," Stephen Marshall said in the Last Days of Gene Hackman: ABC News Special documentary. "She probably thought she was going to get better. She wasn't worried about herself. She was worried about taking care of Gene."
While Arakawa, a classically trained pianist, was Hackman's biggest supporter, the feelings were mutual, according to their loved ones.
"Betsy was just a lovely and charming woman," Marshall recalled. "She had been with Gene since she was pretty young. He was very proud of her accomplishments. She had played with the Honolulu Philharmonic Orchestra."
Meanwhile, their pal Kevin Bobolosky shared a glimpse into the couple's sweet dynamic at home.
"He was a gentle giant, very calm," he said of Hackman. "Betsy, I think, mostly did all the cooking and cleaning on this big estate out of love. She just adored him. So they had everything they wanted."
Read on for everything we know about Hackman and Arakawa's deaths.
Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead Feb. 26, 2025Gene Hackman Death Deemed "Suspicious Enough" to Conduct InvestigationItems of Interest Found in Gene Hackman's HomeA Timeline Slowly Comes Into FocusGene Hackman's Family Speaks OutInside Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's Private Life in Santa FeCarbon Monoxide Poisoning, Gas Leak Ruled OutCause of Death Determined for Gene Hackman, Betsy ArakawaHeartbreaking Death Timeline RevealedWhy Gene Hackman Couldn't Live Without His WifeUnexpected Timeline Twist
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