Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s property was reportedly a “breeding ground for infestation” before their deaths.
The New Mexico Department of Public Health uncovered dead rodents, droppings and nests across eight buildings on the couple’s $4 million New Mexico property, according to a report obtained by TMZ.
The environmental assessment was conducted in March after Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies were discovered on Feb. 26.
The feces were found in two small homes, three sheds, three garages and two vehicles, per the outlet.
Rodent activity was also found in three detached garages.
The public health department determined that the pair’s main house showed no signs of infestation.
Arakawa’s cause of death was linked to rodents.
Autopsy results revealed the classical pianist, who was 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which spreads from the infected urine, droppings and saliva of rodents.
Arakawa and Hackman were seemingly aware of the infestation since traps had been set up around the property.
Hackman, who was 95, died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He also suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
Officials determined that the legendary actor’s pacemaker stopped nine days before his and Arakawa’s bodies were discovered.
They were located in separate rooms, with Arakawa found in the bathroom and Hackman near the kitchen.
Arakawa is believed to have died on Feb. 12 and Hackman on Feb. 18.
Last month, New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell said it was “quite possible” Hackman didn’t know his wife had died due to his mental state.
The two had been married since 1991.
