Rodents spotted on Betsy Arakawa’s property, loyal dog stays by her side

A state assessment found rodents on Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Santa Fe property, but their main residence was not infested. The couple passed away in February, with Hackman dying from cardiovascular disease and Arakawa from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The state Health Department’s inspection revealed rodent activity in garages, guesthouses, and storage facilities, but the main dwelling was clean. The couple’s adult daughters mentioned that their father was in decline, with memory issues and a lack of technology skills. Authorities reported finding one of the couple’s dogs near Arakawa’s body, while another was found dead in a crate. A necropsy suggested the deceased dog might have died from lack of food and water. Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies were discovered by a maintenance worker, with Arakawa’s unusual silence prompting the visit. The daughters described the couple as private and unwilling to hire housekeepers. Hackman and Arakawa’s property, which included a large house, was well-maintained overall, despite the presence of rodents in other areas. The investigation also revealed Arakawa’s last outing to a grocery store and pet food store before her passing. The release of documents and video shed light on the tragic deaths and events leading up to the discovery of their bodies.

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