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Fox News
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Gene Hackman judge rules on death scene images after family argues ‘grotesque' pictures could cause trauma
Photos and video showing Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Hackman's deceased bodies along with audio discussing the topic will not be released to the public, a judge ruled Monday. However, the judge ruled the final autopsy report, toxicology report and depictions of the deceased animal could be released to the public. Lawyers for Hackman's estate argued the dissemination of images, video or audio showing or discussing the deceased would cause an "unnecessary media frenzy" during Monday's court hearing. "What we're really talking of, Judge, is my client's father, who lay dead for some amount of time, and all of the grotesque pictures that go along with that and the conversations of deputies discussing that," a lawyer for Hackman's family said. "There is no limit to the trauma that could cause my clients for years to come with that information, as the media publicist already testified to, would likely show up on the internet or in podcasts etc." Hackman's estate called the actor's longtime publicist to testify to the couple's level of privacy maintained during his lifetime. Susan Madore revealed Hackman would only allow two hours of press time for each movie he made. The Oscar-winning actor would often decline image and likeness requests for "commercial usages" and "news programming." "I think that for anything like that to be out in the public, any entity can use that however they want in perpetuity," Madore said during the hearing. "He would have never agreed in his life for that to happen. So, why would you think he would agree to it in his death?" However, lawyers for the county unsuccessfully argued that the right to privacy does not continue once someone dies. "It does not carry on." "It seems to be clear from the law that, in fact, the right of privacy, does not simply succeed in death, and therefore the estate does not have the right to bring a claim for loss of privacy after the death has occurred," Greg Williams said in closing arguments. The court granted a temporary block of the release on March 17, pending the March 31 hearing on the matter. Hackman's estate specifically wanted any records regarding showing the couple's bodies or the interior of their home, along with autopsy reports or death investigation reports, to be blocked. New Mexico's open records law blocks public access to sensitive images, including depictions of dead bodies. Experts also say some medical information is not considered public record under the state Inspection of Public Records Act. Hackman's estate representative, Julia Peters, emphasized the possibly shocking nature of photographs and video in the investigation and the potential for their dissemination by the media in a bid to block them from being released. While Hackman's estate moved to have an array of records blocked, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department did release bodycam footage connected to the case. The footage included an interview with Betsy's hairstylist in which he claimed she was fearful of being followed in the weeks leading up to her death. "She mentioned to me that there was a man that had parked outside of their gate and followed them," her hairstylist, a man named Christopher, told law enforcement. "On two separate occasions. One occasion is when they went to White Rock. They went and had lunch there and the guy followed them from parked [outside of their gated community], followed them all the way to White Rock." WATCH: BODYCAM FOOTAGE REVEALS GENE HACKMAN'S WIFE FEARED BEING FOLLOWED The man approached Hackman and his wife with a folder full of photos of the actor. On a separate occasion, the same man followed them to a different location. He had offered the Hackmans a bottle of wine, Betsy told Christopher. They declined to accept the gift. WATCH: LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONDS TO GENE HACKMAN'S HOME Authorities responded to a 911 call on Feb. 26 and discovered Hackman and Betsy deceased inside their Santa Fe home. Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya initially told Fox News Digital that authorities believed Hackman and Betsy died in a similar timeframe. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department later confirmed during a press conference that Betsy likely died on or around Feb. 11. After reviewing additional phone records, authorities noted that Betsy had used the device to make calls on Feb. 12. Hackman most likely died about one week later. Betsy died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, New Mexico officials told reporters. Meanwhile, Hackman died from hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor. It's plausible that the actor was home alone with Betsy's deceased body before he passed. Feb. 18 was the last day activity was recorded on Hackman's pacemaker. The device noted "abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation." Hackman's autopsy showed "severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks, and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure." "Examination of the brain showed advanced Alzheimer's disease as well as blood vessel changes in the brain secondary to chronic high blood pressure," according to Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Gene Hackman Estate Tries to Block Release of Death Scene Photos
The estate of beloved Hollywood actor Gene Hackman has filed court documents seeking to ban the public release of death scene photos and police body cam video. That's according to the Santa Fe New Mexican, which broke the news of the filing on March 13. The actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa-Hackman were both discovered deceased in their Santa Fe home. Authorities said in a news conference that they believe Hackman's wife died first on or around February 18, and that the 95-year-old actor, who was afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease, passed away about a week later, perhaps without ever having realized that his wife died. He was found in a mud room with his sunglasses and walking cane next to him, authorities said. The bodies were discovered by a maintenance worker and security guard who then called 911. Police then found the tragic scene. And it's that body cam footage that the estate doesn't wasn't the public to see, along with any photos of the scene. Attorney Kurt Sommer is representing the estate and filed the petition seeking to block the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department and Medical Examiner from releasing the photos and video, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican. The publication also reported that Hackman's will was filed in court as well, although it's not clear what it says. Hackman had three kids with his first wife. The sheriff and medical examiner previously revealed in a news conference that Arakawa-Hackman died of Hantavirus Syndrome, which is contracted after exposure to mouse droppings, and Hackman died of hypertension and cardiovascular issues, with his Alzheimer's Disease contributing to his demise.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gene Hackman's dogs helped authorities locate his body
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's dogs helped locate the actor's body when authorities arrived at the couple's home on Feb. 26. Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya explained the department immediately located Betsy in a bathroom after entering the front door of the New Mexico home. However, officials searched for nearly 30 minutes with no sign of Hackman. While paramedics and officers from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department searched the home, one of the couple's dogs kept running up to them. Authorities originally thought the dog wanted to play, but later realized the pup was trying to help. One of Hackman and Betsy's dogs died, but two remained alive at the home and were able to roam through an open back door. "They realized [the dog] was trying to say, 'Hey, come over here! Come over here!'" Moya told USA Today. Gene Hackman Death: Complete Coverage Moya previously told Fox News Digital that authorities believed Hackman and Betsy died in a similar timeframe. Read On The Fox News App "Just because both bodies were in similar ways where we, as experts, sad to say that we know a lot about how people die and how long people are dead for – both bodies are in a similar manner that it could be a similar timeframe," Moya said. Gene Hackman Death Timeline: Actor's Final Days With Wife The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department later confirmed during a press conference that Betsy likely died on Feb. 11. Hackman most likely died one week later. Like What You're Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News Betsy died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, New Mexico officials told reporters. Meanwhile, Hackman died from hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor. It's plausible that the actor was home alone with Betsy's deceased body before he passed. Feb. 18 was the last day activity was recorded on Hackman's pacemaker. The device noted "abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation." WATCH: NEW MEXICO OFFICIALS CONFIRMED GENE HACKMAN AND HIS WIFE BETSY'S CAUSE OF DEATHS Hackman's autopsy showed "severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks, and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure." "Examination of the brain showed advanced Alzheimer's disease as well as blood vessel changes in the brain secondary to chronic high blood pressure," according to Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell. Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter Authorities determined Betsy died on or around Feb. 11 through her activity and communication. The former classical pianist had an email conversation on the morning of Feb. 11 before heading out to a local grocery store, a pharmacy and a pet store. She returned to the couple's gated community around 5:15 p.m., garage clicker data showed. "Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that [Betsy] passed away first, with Feb. 11 being the last time that she was known to be alive," Jarrell said. Authorities responded to a 911 call on Feb. 26 and discovered Hackman and Betsy deceased inside. The investigation remains ongoing until cellphone data can be reviewed and a necropsy is performed on their dog, article source: Gene Hackman's dogs helped authorities locate his body
Fox News
13-03-2025
- Fox News
Gene Hackman's dogs helped authorities locate his body
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's dogs helped locate the actor's body when authorities arrived at the couple's home on Feb. 26. Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya explained the department immediately located Betsy in a bathroom after entering the front door of the New Mexico home. However, officials searched for nearly 30 minutes with no sign of Hackman. While paramedics and officers from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department searched the home, one of the couple's dogs kept running up to them. Authorities originally thought the dog wanted to play, but later realized the pup was trying to help. One of Hackman and Betsy's dogs died, but two remained alive at the home and were able to roam through an open back door. "They realized [the dog] was trying to say, 'Hey, come over here! Come over here!'" Moya told USA Today. Moya previously told Fox News Digital that authorities believed Hackman and Betsy died in a similar timeframe. "Just because both bodies were in similar ways where we, as experts, sad to say that we know a lot about how people die and how long people are dead for – both bodies are in a similar manner that it could be a similar timeframe," Moya said. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department later confirmed during a press conference that Betsy likely died on Feb. 11. Hackman most likely died one week later. Betsy died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, New Mexico officials told reporters. Meanwhile, Hackman died from hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor. It's plausible that the actor was home alone with Betsy's deceased body before he passed. Feb. 18 was the last day activity was recorded on Hackman's pacemaker. The device noted "abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation." WATCH: NEW MEXICO OFFICIALS CONFIRMED GENE HACKMAN AND HIS WIFE BETSY'S CAUSE OF DEATHS Hackman's autopsy showed "severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks, and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure." "Examination of the brain showed advanced Alzheimer's disease as well as blood vessel changes in the brain secondary to chronic high blood pressure," according to Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell. Authorities determined Betsy died on or around Feb. 11 through her activity and communication. The former classical pianist had an email conversation on the morning of Feb. 11 before heading out to a local grocery store, a pharmacy and a pet store. She returned to the couple's gated community around 5:15 p.m., garage clicker data showed. "Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that [Betsy] passed away first, with Feb. 11 being the last time that she was known to be alive," Jarrell said. Authorities responded to a 911 call on Feb. 26 and discovered Hackman and Betsy deceased inside. The investigation remains ongoing until cellphone data can be reviewed and a necropsy is performed on their dog, Zinna.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Yahoo
Investigators Believe They Know How Gene Hackman's Dog Died
On Friday afternoon, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department put the rumor mill to rest when they finally shared their findings about how Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa died in their New Mexico home. But several questions still remain, including exactly what caused the death of the couple's beloved dog Zinna. Based on their investigation, authorities concluded that Arakawa died on February 11 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, an infectious disease that is typically carried by deer mice. Hackman is believed to have died a week later, on February 18, of heart disease, with Alzheimer's noted as an additional contributing factor. Zinna's death, however, is a bit harder to authorities are still awaiting necropsy results on the pooch, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix, New Mexico State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps has suggested that dehydration and starvation are two likely causes of the dog's death. 'Given the timelines presented, it is a possibility,' she said at Friday's press conference, according to CNN. Though Phipps could not completely rule out Zinna being exposed to hantavirus, the infection that led to Arakawa's untimely death, she deemed it extremely unlikely, as 'Dogs do not get sick from hantavirus.' 'These viruses are zoonotic," Phipps added, "meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans.' Zinna was one of Hackman and Arakawa's three dogs, and the only one who died with them. Her body was discovered in a closed kennel in the same bathroom where Arakawa was found, only 10 to 15 feet from her owner. The reason Zinna was crated versus free-roaming the home appears to be the result of a recent medical procedure.'We know from our investigation that on February 9, 2025, [Arakawa] picked up Zinna from Gruda Veterinary Hospital,' Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared on Friday. 'There was a procedure that was done with the dog, which may explain why the dog was in a crate at the residence.' Hackman and Arakawa's two surviving pups, a German shepherd named Bear and a shepherd mix named Nikki, are currently being looked after by Joey Padilla, a friend of the couple who owns Santa Fe Tails, a local boarding facility. In a recent interview with ABC News, Padilla said the dogs "are safe and adjusting.' He also confirmed that he will continue to look after the dogs 'until I get word on what Betsy's wishes for these dogs are.'
