Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his 65-year-old wife Betsy Arakawa were shockingly found dead in their New Mexico home in February, along with one of their pet dogs.
According to the coroner, Betsy passed away on February 11 due to hantavirus infection, and one week later, Gene, who had Alzheimer's disease, died of natural causes related to heart disease. It was ultimately determined that the major culprit behind their deaths was rats.
Media reports indicate that local health authorities conducted an investigation and discovered extensive evidence of rats in eight buildings, describing their residence as a “breeding ground for rats.” In Gene Hackman's home, evidence of rats was found in two separate small houses, three sheds, the garage, and two cars, including abundant rat droppings. A live rat and a full rat nest were also found in the garage, indicating a severe rat infestation.
Hantavirus outbreaks of this sort typically occur in the spring and summer, with individuals becoming infected after coming into contact with rat droppings in homes, sheds, or poorly-ventilated areas.
Source: United Daily News