Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's home infested with dead rodents, nests and feces before their deaths

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s property in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was infested with dead rodents and their nests, a report by the New Mexico Department of Public Health claimed.

The department carried out the examination last month, a week after the legend and his wife were found dead along with a deceased dog named Zinna and two surviving dogs in late February, as reported by TMZ.

Arakawa lost his life to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which is caused by hantaviruses.

Infestation had been growing on Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s property

The publication reported that humans can contract the deadly disease through rodents—their saliva, feces, and urine—and according to the health department report, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s three garages, two casitas, and three sheds were infested with them.

Besides, the couple’s three detached garages had a live rodent, a dead rodent, and a rodent nest.

Investigators also discovered signs of rodents—nests, droppings, and sightings of the pests—on the late actor and his classical pianist wife’s two vehicles, with live traps found in the outbuildings, suggesting the infestation had been growing.

However, the residence in which Hackman and Arakawa used to live had no signs of infestation, suggesting that they might have been unaware of the risk.

Gene Hackman died after Betsy Arakawa

‘The French Connection’ star is believed to have died on February 18, while his wife died on February 12.

Hackman lost his life to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He was also battling Alzheimer’s disease at the time of his death.

Dr Heather Jarrell, chief medical investigator for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, said on March 7, “He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his death.”

Gene Hackman’s living dogs ‘have been placed in appropriate homes’

Meanwhile, the actor and his wife’s estates have issued an update regarding their two dogs.

“In response to numerous concerned inquiries about Hackman's dogs, both Bear and Nikita have been placed in appropriate homes. Both are safe, healthy, and adjusting to their new environments,” the statement read, as per PEOPLE.

Regarding Arakawa, Robert Gruda, owner of the Gruda Veterinary Hospital, had said, “She was consistent, predictable. We knew something was wrong when she didn't pick up the food on time.”

“She was an excellent dog owner, excellent caretaker to those dogs. She really doted on them,” he added.