Family of Gene Hackman Attempts to Block Release of Autopsy Reports
The family of deceased actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, are reportedly seeking to prevent the public release of autopsy and death investigation documents, adding further mystery surrounding their passing. This action follows a previous attempt to restrict the dissemination of images and videos of the couple’s bodies and is considered “atypical” in New Mexico, where the couple resided.
Unusual Request Raises Questions
An unnamed source familiar with New Mexico legal proceedings stated, “Attempting to block the autopsy report is highly unusual, something rarely encountered.” The source explained that while New Mexico law lacks specific exemptions for autopsy photographs and public interest is high in celebrity deaths, families often seek court intervention to prevent photo release. However, “blocking the actual autopsy report is highly uncommon,” they reiterated to The U.S. Sun.
Temporary Restraining Order Granted
A New Mexico court has already granted a temporary restraining order, temporarily halting the release of documents containing sensitive visual and image content related to the deaths.
Protecting Privacy in Grief
Issued on Monday, March 17th, the temporary restraining order, filed by Julia Peters, representing the Hackman estate, prohibits the Sheriff’s office and the Office of the Medical Investigator from disclosing any documents covered by the order. This legal measure aims to safeguard the family’s right to privacy during their bereavement, invoking the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
The restraining order explicitly states: “The Office of the Medical Investigator is temporarily restrained from disclosing through IPRA [Inspection of Public Records Act] or other means, the Autopsy Reports and/or Death Investigation Reports for Mr. and Mrs. Hackman.”
Scope of the Restraining Order
Specifically, the order prevents the release of documents containing:
- Images or videos of the bodies of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
- Visuals of the interior of their residence.
- Footage of their deceased animals.
- Post-mortem examination reports.
- Death investigation reports.
This restraining order, obtained by Hackman’s estate and issued by the Santa Fe court, is pending a hearing later in March.
Timing of Autopsy Block Request
The move to block the autopsy report via the restraining order follows closely after the initial effort to prevent the release of photographs.
Public Records and Transparency
While New Mexico’s open records law restricts public access to sensitive images, particularly depictions of deceased individuals, death investigations and post-mortem examination reports are generally considered public records. This classification is intended to ensure governmental transparency and accountability. A hearing is scheduled later this month to deliberate the merits of the restraining order.
Details Surrounding Deaths
Gene Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered deceased at their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26th, along with one of their dogs. Authorities confirmed Hackman’s death was due to heart disease and complications from Alzheimer’s. Arakawa’s death, occurring a week prior, was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents.
Hantavirus and Public Health Implications
Arakawa’s cause of death adds another layer of complexity to the request to withhold information. Given hantavirus’s history as a public health concern, restricting public access to details about a confirmed case is considered particularly unusual.