Overview

• A March 5 environmental risk assessment revealed dead rodents, nests, and feces across eight outbuildings on Hackman and Arakawa’s Santa Fe property.
• The primary residence was deemed low-risk, with no evidence of rodent activity or contamination, according to health officials.
• Betsy Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and deadly disease linked to rodent exposure, while Hackman, 95, died days later from cardiovascular complications and Alzheimer’s.
• The infestation included rodent activity in three garages, two casitas, three sheds, and two vehicles, with live traps found on-site suggesting an ongoing issue.
• Hantavirus, which has a 41% fatality rate in New Mexico, underscores the public health risks of rodent infestations and the need for preventive measures.