Rat carcass, nest, and droppings found on Gene Hackman’s land following wife’s death from illness tied to rodents

Health officials conducting a hantavirus risk assessment on Gene Hackman’s New Mexico property discovered a significant rat presence following the tragic death of the star’s wife from the rodent-borne disease in February.

In March, an environmental evaluation of the premises identified rodent feces in multiple locations including three garages, two casitas, and three sheds. The report from the New Mexico medical investigator’s office detailed the discovery of live rodents, a dead rodent, and an entire nest in the three detached garages.

Although not initially disclosed, these findings came to light in the comprehensive report obtained by TMZ, shedding light on the extent of the infestation following the couple’s tragic passing.

Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which is a rare disease humans can catch from contact with rodents, rodent feces, saliva and urine, according to autopsy results.

Hackman, 95, died a few days after Arakawa, following complications with hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease along with advanced Alzheimer’s disease.

The New Mexico Department of Health staff previously conducted the risk assessment on March 5 in accordance with the death investigation to make sure first responders and family members who had accessed the property were safe.

The initial assessment determined that the risk of exposure in the primary residence was low and that there were no signs of rodent activity inside. It did not include the new information revealed about the condition of the outbuildings.

All the other eight buildings and two vehicles on the property were accessible to rodents, according to the report. Investigators found live traps in the outbuildings meant to contain the rodents.

Hantavirus, while rare, has a 41% fatality rate for patients in New Mexico. The state also has the most reported cases of hantavirus in the country.

Anyone attempting to clean rodent habitats, whether it be in their homes or the natural environment, should avoid contact and, if possible, wear protection.

Hantavirus presents flu-like symptoms at the beginning that can take up to two months to manifest, according to the CDC. Regardless, there is no specific treatment for the virus or its symptoms.