Gene Hackman's Estate Secures Court Order on Death Investigation Privacy

A New Mexico court has granted a temporary restraining order to the estate of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, blocking the release of photos and videos related to their deaths. The couple was found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, with Hackman, 95, reportedly dying from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s, and Arakawa, 65, from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The order, submitted by Julia Peters on behalf of the estate, aims to protect the family's privacy rights under the 14th Amendment, preventing the release of sensitive images, autopsy reports, and any related documents. A hearing to discuss the merits of this injunction is scheduled for March 31. The court’s decision comes amid ongoing discussions regarding Hackman’s will, which leaves his entire estate to Arakawa, raising concerns among his children about potential inheritance disputes. The tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths have garnered significant media attention, particularly due to the nature of Arakawa’s illness and the condition of their bodies upon discovery.