Rat nests and dead rodents found on Gene Hackman's property

Rats nests and dead rodents have been discovered at the property of Oscar winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, who were both found dead in the residence in February.

The partially mummified remains of Hackman and Arakawa were found in separate rooms of their home in Sante Fe, as well as one of their dogs. 

Dead rodents were found along with nests in several outbuildings and in three other garages. Live traps were also found on the property. 

A report by the local health department included an environmental assessment which found evidence of the presence of rats. 

Authorities released a report showing Arakawa had been searching for information on flu-like symptoms via emails and internet searches before she died. 

Arakawa died after developing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) - a disease caught from the exposure to rodents and includes flu-like symptoms. The rare virus is often transmitted through the air when people sweep out sheds or buildings where mice have been living. 

Hackman, who was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's when he died of heart disease, died just days after his wife and was found in a separate room. The couple's dog was also found dead in a cage and is said to have died of starvation. 

The findings of rats nests comes after materials were released following a court order after the Hackman estate and family sought to keep the records sealed.