SANTA FE, N.M. — The deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, have taken an unexpected turn as their family seeks to block the release of autopsy results and investigation details in a highly unusual legal move. According to sources familiar with the case, this effort is atypical in such circumstances, prompting considerable media attention.
On February 26, 2025, both Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, along with one of their three dogs, were found dead at their Santa Fe home. Hackman succumbed to complications from heart disease, while Arakawa's death was ruled a consequence of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare illness transmitted from rodents. Complicating the circumstances, investigations uncovered that their deaths occurred at least a week apart, raising public questions about the timeline and nature of their passing.
A temporary restraining order filed by Hackman's family is currently in effect, seeking to prevent the Santa Fe Sheriff's Office and the Office of the Medical Investigator from disclosing videos and images linked to the couple's deaths. As reported by The U.S. Sun, the legal action aims to safeguard the family's privacy and allow them space to grieve without post-mortem images being “paraded before the public.”
An insider familiar with celebrity death investigations described this request as "highly unusual," highlighting that blocking access to the autopsy report itself is uncommon. "Trying to block the autopsy report is very atypical, that is not something I have ever seen before," the insider remarked.
The investigation began following the tragic discovery of Hackman and Arakawa's bodies, prompting a weeks-long examination by authorities. Initially, it was thought that Arakawa passed away on February 11 based on available evidence. However, a local doctor claimed that Arakawa called the Cloudberry Health clinic on February 12, raising doubts about the official timeline.
Dr. Josiah Child, head of Cloudberry Health, stated, “Mrs. Hackman didn’t die on 11 February because she called my clinic on 12 February.” This statement has led to further scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding her death. Investigators confirmed that Arakawa made multiple calls to the clinic on February 12, yet, postmortem results indicate that she died from hantavirus a day earlier.
Adding to the complexity, it has been reported that Hackman may have remained alive for a week after Arakawa's death, per analysis of his pacemaker records, which indicated no heartbeat activity beyond February 18. The state necropsy report disclosed that one of the Hackmans' dogs, Zinna, was found deceased from starvation, having been confined in a crate while the couple was in a vulnerable state.
While the family’s move to block the investigation details parallels past actions by the families of other celebrities — such as Michael Jackson’s family blocking the release of his autopsy photos — blocking the autopsy reports themselves remains a rarity.
The couple lived a private life in Santa Fe for decades, as highlighted in the family's court petition which noted that they had “lived an exemplary private life” without showcasing their lifestyle to the public.
As the hearings regarding the restraining order unfold later this month, speculation continues to swirl around the deaths due to various reports indicating discrepancies in the timeline of their last communications. Arakawa was reportedly caught on surveillance video the day before her death, visiting several local shops.
Indeed, the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office began to investigate the timeline of events concerning Arakawa's health. It was noted that the last recorded activity on Arakawa's cell phone was a call placed to a health center on February 12, just a day after the assumed date of her passing. During this time frame, further details indicate that there was no indication she exhibited respiratory symptoms, complicating the narrative of her death.
The mystery surrounding the conditions leading to the couple's deaths has left many unanswered questions and raised concerns about the timing and treatment of their health ailments. The circumstances have sparked mass speculation within public discourse, highlighting the challenges faced by families of notable figures in maintaining privacy amid widespread public interest.
The two surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita, from the couple’s three, have since been placed in new homes, as reported by the estate’s representative, ensuring their well-being after the tragic events.
As the investigation proceeds, further updates are expected regarding the court hearings on the restraining order to block the release of sensitive materials. The unique nature of the circumstances leading to Hackman and Arakawa's deaths may provide further insight into the complexities of dealing with the passing of public figures and the efforts of their families to shield their legacies.
