Court Protects Privacy in Gene Hackman Death Investigation

A Santa Fe judge has ruled to seal sensitive materials from the investigation while allowing autopsy reports to be publicly accessible.

Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar-winning actor, and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found deceased in their Santa Fe home in February 2025.
Hackman, aged 95, died of heart disease, while Arakawa, 64, succumbed to hantavirus, a rare disease linked to rodent exposure in rural New Mexico.
A Santa Fe court has ordered that photos and videos from the investigation remain sealed, citing privacy concerns, while autopsy reports are permitted for public access.
One of the couple's dogs was found dead from dehydration, while two others were rescued alive from the property.
Hackman, celebrated for roles in films like 'French Connection' and 'Unforgiven,' retired in the early 2000s and lived a private life with Arakawa in Santa Fe.