The house where the bodies of Gene Hackman and his wife were found was infested with rats.

BarcelonaNew details have emerged regarding the deaths of American actor Gene Hackman and his wife, pianist Betsy Arakwa. The investigation reportedly revealed that the sprawling residence where the bodies were found was infested with rats. This discovery is especially significant considering the cause of Arakwa's death: according to the medical examiner, she suffered from hantavirus, a rare disease that occurs when one comes into contact with rodent feces, saliva, or urine. It's worth remembering that both bodies were found on February 26 and that they had been dead for days, as indicated by the state of decomposition. Hackman, who suffered from advanced Alzheimer's disease, is believed to have died almost a week later than his wife due to severe heart disease.

The house, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, consisted of several rooms and outbuildings. According to CNN, although the main house, where the bodies were found, was free of rodents, rat droppings were found in nine rooms on the property. Inspectors also reportedly found a nest of rats, as well as one live and one dead rat. Hantavirus, despite being very rare, has a high mortality rate in the United States (35%). According to police, Hackman likely lived with Arakwa's body for a week without realizing she was dead.

The last few hours

This Tuesday also revealed what the pianist did in her final hours. Initially, it was believed she died on February 11, when she was last seen in a supermarket. This possibility was later ruled out, as Arakwa called a local health clinic on the 12th. When they returned her call in the evening, no one answered. Furthermore, her internet search log revealed that between February 8 and 12, she researched whether nosebleeds and dizziness were symptoms of COVID.