Authorities confirmed that Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome linked to a severe rat infestation at their $4 million estate in New Mexico, while Hackman himself succumbed to advanced heart disease six days later.

Documents from the New Mexico Department of Public Health revealed “living and dead rats, rat nests, rat droppings and scattered rat traps” throughout the property, although no infestation was found inside the main residence. Officials described the estate as a “breeding ground” for hantavirus, a rare and deadly virus transmitted by rodents.

The Santa Fe County Medical Examiner ruled that Arakawa, a healthy 65-year-old classical pianist, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. “It’s terribly tragic because it shows that they didn’t go far enough in combating it,” a source told Globe. “It also means their deaths probably were preventable had the right measures been taken.”

Gene Hackman, 95, died from severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with contributing factors including Alzheimer’s disease and kidney failure, according to an autopsy obtained by Fox News Digital. “Autopsy showed severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with placement of coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement,” the medical report stated.

Hackman’s autopsy also noted “advanced stage Alzheimer's disease” and previous myocardial infarctions affecting the heart’s left ventricular wall and septum. Testing found Hackman negative for hantavirus, and his carbon monoxide levels were normal. Toxicology reports indicated elevated acetone levels consistent with prolonged fasting or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Investigators found no external trauma on either Hackman or Arakawa. Their bodies were discovered by longtime contractor Jesse Kesler and colleague Roland Lowe Begay on February 26. Kesler placed a frantic 911 call after finding the couple unresponsive. Affidavits described Arakawa's body with facial bloating and mummification of the hands and feet, signs of advanced decomposition that were also observed on Hackman.

Authorities launched a criminal investigation due to the initial "suspicious" nature of the deaths but later confirmed natural causes. Through a search of Arakawa’s computer, investigators found she had researched "COVID" and flu-like symptoms multiple times before her death. She had emailed her massage therapist on February 11, noting Hackman had taken a COVID test after exhibiting "flu/cold-like symptoms."

During a press conference, Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell said hantavirus symptoms include “flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, muscle aches, cough, sometimes vomiting and diarrhea that can progress to shortness of breath and cardiac or heart failure and lung failure.”

Santa Fe sheriff’s deputies responding to the scene reported hearing a desperately barking dog inside the property. Body camera footage captured an emotional caretaker stating of Betsy, “She was a sweetheart,” before choking back tears and walking away.