A New Mexico court is currently deliberating on a request to prevent the disclosure of records from the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, following a motion from the couple’s estate. At a recent hearing led by Judge Matthew Wilson in Santa Fe, the estate’s attorneys sought to keep photos, videos, and documents confidential to safeguard the family’s privacy. In the meantime, the court has temporarily halted the release of such records.
The remains of Hackman and Arakawa were discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26, after maintenance workers alerted authorities. Hackman, aged 95, reportedly died of heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s shortly after Arakawa’s death, while she was found to have succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents.
New Mexico’s open records laws typically allow public access to death investigation and autopsy reports, but they also include provisions to protect sensitive images and certain medical information from public scrutiny. The estate’s representative, Julia Peters, expressed concerns about the potential shocking nature of the investigation’s materials if released.
The estate has initiated legal action to prevent the release of autopsy and investigation reports. Kurt Sommer, the estate’s attorney, stressed that both Hackman and Arakawa valued their privacy during their lifetimes, and this right should extend posthumously to protect their legacy and that of their estate.
Prior to the hearing, Judge Wilson approved a request from media entities, including The Associated Press, to participate in the proceedings. Although the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths were shared in a news conference, many related records remain undisclosed.
One of their dogs, Zinna, was also found deceased, while two others were alive. Publicist Susan Madore testified that the couple cherished their life in Santa Fe for the anonymity it provided, particularly after Hackman’s retirement in the early 2000s.
As for their estate, Hackman and Arakawa had made arrangements to leave their assets to one another, but with both deceased, the management now falls to Peters. A request has been filed to appoint a trustee for the associated trusts, but the lack of transparency concerning the trust documents leaves questions about beneficiaries and asset distribution.
Legal experts suggest that if disputes arise regarding the estate, further details might emerge, though any such revelations would likely be requested to remain sealed. The ongoing focus on privacy underscores the couple’s desire for discretion both in life and in death.