Gene Hackman's wife died from a virus found in rodents, and the actor, who was in an “advanced state of Alzheimer’s," likely died a week later, officials in Santa Fe, New Mexico, said Friday.

Betsy Arakawa, wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, died from a respiratory illness linked to hantavirus, a rare disease transmitted by infected rodents ... cases were found in rural areas ...

The tragic timeline ends the mystery that has surrounded the death of one of America’s most beloved actors, who was found with his ... to other well-maintained houses in New Mexico.” ...

found that invasive rodents were racking up high economic costs worldwide. The researchers said their “conservative” analysis showed that rodent invasions were costing economies about US$87.5 ...