Gene Hackman's estate seeks to block release of sensitive death investigation records

In February 2025, Gene Hackman, a renowned actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead at their New Mexico residence. At the age of 95, Hackman passed away from heart disease influenced by Alzheimer’s disease, while his 65-year-old wife had succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which is transmitted through rodents. The couple had not been found until February 26, leading to speculation about the circumstances surrounding their deaths, as Hackman's pacemaker indicated activity on February 18, suggesting they had been deceased for some time prior to discovery. The estate of Gene Hackman, represented by Julia Peters, filed a legal petition to prevent the public release of autopsy and investigative records. This request was made in response to the presence of potentially shocking images and surveillance footage collected during the investigation, which the estate believes infringe upon the couple's right to privacy as emphasized in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Hackman and Arakawa are described as individuals who valued their privacy and maintained a discrete lifestyle in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for over three decades. The Legal Director at the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, Amanda Lavin, commented that while open records laws generally promote transparency by making death investigations public, sensitive information, especially concerning deceased persons, may be treated differently under state laws. The ongoing legal proceedings could have implications for public access to investigation results while raising questions about the balance between privacy rights and public interest. Hackman had enjoyed a storied film career, during which he earned two Academy Awards for his acting talent in notable films such as 'The French Connection' and 'Hoosiers.' As the legal battle unfolds, the Hackman estate's efforts to protect the couple's legacy from intrusive public scrutiny will continue to be a focal point in this high-profile case.