A New Mexico judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the release of police images and autopsy reports related to the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
The ruling follows a request from the Hackman estate, arguing that the couple valued their privacy in life and that releasing graphic images or reports would exploit their deaths for public spectacle.
Cause of Death and Investigation
- Betsy Arakawa, 62, passed away around Feb. 11 due to a rare hantavirus infection, a disease transmitted through rodent feces.
- Gene Hackman, 95, who suffered from severe Alzheimer’s, died roughly a week later from heart disease.
- Their bodies were discovered on Feb. 26 after a maintenance worker noticed their door was left ajar and called authorities.
Legal Battle Over Privacy
The Hackman estate seeks to block the release of:
✅ Deputy bodycam footage
✅ Crime scene photos
✅ Autopsy reports
Their legal argument cites past rulings, including a Washington appellate court decision that barred the release of Kurt Cobain’s suicide investigation photos.
The judge has scheduled a March 31 hearing to decide whether a permanent injunction should be issued.
What is Hantavirus?
- Extremely rare but deadly (36% fatality rate, per the CDC)
- Transmitted via airborne rodent feces and urine
- No known cure or human-to-human transmission
- Preventative measures: seal home gaps, use rat traps
This tragic case has not only stunned Hollywood but also raised public health concerns about the dangers of hantavirus exposure.