Traces of rodents and their nests have been found in eight outbuildings on the property of American actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This is shown by the results of the investigation conducted a week after the two spouses were found dead in their home in February, according to CNN.
Pianist Betsy Arakawa died of a lung disease caused by hantavirus – which comes from small rodents and can cause deadly infections. The virus can be transmitted to humans through rodents' saliva, feces, and urine.
According to the report, traces of rodents were found in three garages, two small houses, and three sheds. In the residential house, however, no traces of rodents were found. Hantavirus is described as unusual but dangerous. New Mexico is the worst affected state in the USA.
Gene Hackman likely died of heart failure a week after his wife. The actor also showed signs of advanced Alzheimer's disease, which is seen as a contributing cause of his death. He was 95 years old.
