The Rat-Infested Nightmare That Claimed Gene Hackman and Wife

Gene Hackman at a book signing in June 2008. Photo by Christopher Michael Little under CC BY 2.0.

Gene Hackman wasn't just a Hollywood legend — he was one of the last icons of a golden era in film. Revered for roles in "The French Connection," "Unforgiven," and "The Royal Tenenbaums," Hackman left the spotlight two decades ago to live a quiet life in New Mexico with his wife of 33 years, Betsy Arakawa. But the mystery surrounding their recent deaths has only deepened.

'More Than Just a Mansion'

Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found dead on Feb. 26, 2025, inside their Santa Fe property after maintenance workers saw a body through a window and alerted authorities. At first, carbon monoxide poisoning was considered, but that theory was ruled out when investigators found one of the couple's three dogs deceased elsewhere on the property, while the other two appeared to be alive.

A subsequent investigation found that Arakawa had died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome around Feb. 12 — a rare respiratory disease transmitted through the urine and droppings of infected rodents. Hackman, whose health had declined due to heart disease, Alzheimer's, and kidney issues, died a few days later on Feb. 18.

Rat-Infested Outbuildings

After their bodies were found, the New Mexico Department of Public Health conducted a full assessment of the property. While the main house showed no signs of infestation, eight outbuildings on the estate — including garages, sheds, and casitas — were teeming with evidence of rodent activity. Officials found dead and live rodents, nests, and droppings throughout these structures, as well as inside two vehicles on the property.

There were even traps set up inside the buildings, indicating an ongoing issue the couple had been attempting to control.

The virus, while rare, is deadly — especially in New Mexico. Between 1993 and 2022, the state recorded 122 hantavirus cases, 52 of which were fatal.

A Timeline of Tragedy

Officials believe Arakawa returned home around 5:15 p.m. on Feb. 11 after running errands. She was last heard from that day. On the morning of Feb. 12, she reportedly contacted a local clinic and scheduled an appointment — but never arrived.

Her body was found in the bathroom. Investigators determined she had been dead for more than a week before Hackman passed. Hackman, discovered on the mudroom floor with his walking cane nearby, showed signs of death consistent with advanced decomposition.

One of the couple's dogs, Zinna, was found dead in a crate — a result of starvation and dehydration. Authorities believe Hackman may not have realized Arakawa had died, given his deteriorating mental condition.

The Legacy They Left Behind

Hackman had largely retreated from public life after his final film in 2004. He and Arakawa, a classically trained pianist, moved to Santa Fe decades earlier, where they lived quietly. Friends and local officials described the pair as private, devoted to each other, and woven into the community fabric.

Hackman's 1995 will named Arakawa as his sole heir. Arakawa's will stated that, if both spouses died within 90 days of one another, the estate would go to charity — a clause now triggered by their nearly back-to-back deaths.

The investigation into the property and their deaths, initially sealed by court order, has since been made public — including police bodycam footage from the scene. Authorities stated there were no signs of foul play or forced entry.

The House That Held Too Much Silence

Though Hackman's career was legendary, his final days were marked by isolation, illness, and a home quietly overwhelmed by a pest problem that became lethal. For those close to him, it's a tragic end to a deeply private life — and a stark reminder of how even the most beloved figures can disappear from view.

In the end, it wasn't Hollywood or scandal that surrounded his final chapter — but silence, loss, and a house that became too much to manage.

References: Gene Hackman's $4M Mansion Was 'Infested' With Rats | Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa Investigation: Dead Rodents, Nests Found on Property in Risk Assessment