Sante Fe, New Mexico – A grim discovery was made at the New Mexico residence of acclaimed actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Hackman. The couple, who tragically passed away seven days apart, were found deceased in their home in February. The cause of Betsy’s death was determined to be linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a deadly virus transmitted through rodent droppings and urine. Gene Hackman, on the other hand, succumbed to a combination of severe heart disease, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer’s disease.
During a thorough environmental assessment of the property conducted in March, multiple dead rodents, nests, and rodent feces were found in various buildings on the estate. To ensure the safety of investigators, first responders, and family members frequenting the property, risk assessment testing was carried out by the New Mexico Department of Health.
Although the primary residence showed no signs of rodent activity, eight other buildings on the property had evidence of rodent access. Additionally, sightings of rodents in vehicles and live traps in different areas on the estate were reported. Despite the presence of rodents in several locations on the property, the risk of exposure in the Hackmans’ primary residence was found to be low.
The tragic discovery of Gene and Betsy’s bodies in their home, along with the misidentified deceased dog and two other surviving dogs, paints a poignant picture of their final days. Reports of hantavirus, though rare, pose a significant risk in New Mexico, where the virus has proven fatal in a considerable percentage of cases. The couple’s love story, which began in 1991 and culminated in a blissful life together in Santa Fe, came to a sorrowful end as they were laid to rest on their property.