Latest news with #SantaFeNewMexican
Chicago Tribune
15-04-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Records show Gene Hackman's wife researched symptoms of illness days before her death
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Authorities on Tuesday released a lengthy investigation report detailing some of the last emails, phone calls and internet searches by Gene Hackman's wife in the days before her death, indicating that she was scouring for information on flu-like symptoms and breathing techniques. Betsy Arakawa died in February of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome — a rare, rodent-borne disease that can led to a range of symptoms that include flu-like illness, headaches, dizziness and severe respiratory distress, investigators have said. Gene Hackman is believed to have died about a week later of heart disease with complications from Alzheimer's disease. The partially mummified remains of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26, when maintenance and security workers showed up at the home and alerted police. According to the report released Tuesday, a review of Arakawa's computer showed she was actively researching medical conditions related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms between Feb. 8 and the morning of Feb. 12. The searches included questions about whether COVID could cause dizziness or nosebleeds. She also had mentioned in an email to her masseuse that Hackman had woken up Feb. 11 with flu or cold-like symptoms but that a COVID test was negative and she would have to reschedule her appointment for the next day 'out of an abundance of caution.' Arakawa's search history also showed a query for a concierge medical service in Santa Fe the morning of Feb. 12. A review of her phone records by investigators showed she had a call with the service that lasted less than 2 minutes and missed a return call later that afternoon. Investigators also reviewed a call history to the Hackmans' home phone along with voicemails and security footage from stores that Arakawa had visited on Feb. 11. Authorities also are expected to release more redacted police body camera footage from inside the home as sheriff's deputies and investigators tried to piece together what had happened to the couple. The written report describes them going through rooms of the home and finding nothing out of the ordinary and no signs of forced entry. They found paper grocery bags on the floor of the pantry. Inside one bag was a Feb. 11 copy of the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper. They also documented a bag of bagels that had been opened, with part of the contents missing. In the living room was a large piano and couches, according to the report. There were pillows on one couch as if someone had been sleeping there. Investigators also described a collection of art, puzzles and drawing supplies in the dining room, and medical supplies like bandages and tape in several kitchen drawers. The materials were being released as the result of a recent court order that mandated any depictions of the deceased couple would have to be blocked from view. All photos, video and documents from the investigation had been restricted from release by an earlier, temporary court order. The Hackman estate and family members had sought to keep the records sealed to protect the family's constitutional right to privacy. A report by the New Mexico Department of Health showed an environmental assessment of the Hackman property found rodent feces in several outbuildings and live traps on the property. The inside of the home was clean, with no evidence of rodent activity. Nestled among the piñon and juniper hills overlooking Santa Fe, the Hackman home is not unlike others in the area as mice are common within the surrounding landscape. One of the couple's three dogs also was found dead in a crate in a bathroom closet near Arakawa, while two other dogs were found alive. A state veterinary lab tied the dog's death to dehydration and starvation. An attorney for the estate, Kurt Sommer, argued during a hearing last month that the couple had taken great pains to stay out of the public light during their lifetimes and that the right to control the use of their names and likenesses should extend to their estate in death. The Associated Press, CBS News and CBS Studios intervened in the matter, saying in court filings that they would not disseminate images of the couple's bodies and would blur images to obscure them from other records.
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
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Gene Hackman's estate attempts to block release of photographs, footage from death investigation
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's estate is attempting to block the release of photos, videos and police bodycam footage related to the couple's deaths. Lawyer Kurt Sommer filed a petition Tuesday in state District Court in Santa Fe attempting to prevent the medical investigator and the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office from releasing footage, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican. The petition attempts to block the release of the couple's autopsy and "death investigation" until their deaths can be litigated, according to the outlet. Sommer wrote that once the images are released "the bell cannot be unrung." Gene Hackman Death: Complete Coverage Sommer argued the couple's right to privacy outweighs the public interest in the couple's death. He cited Kurt Cobain's death in his petition and pointed out that a court refused to release the "death-scene" photographs. Read On The Fox News App "Undersigned counsel cannot think of respective harm that would come to the State and County offices from respecting the discretion of Mr. Hackman's and Mrs. Hackman-Arakawa's right to privacy," he wrote. "During their lifetime, the Hackmans placed significant value on their privacy and took affirmative, vigilant steps to safeguard their privacy. "Mr. and Mrs. Hackman were members of this community, not part-time casual residents. The Personal Representative seeks to continue to preserve the privacy of the Hackmans following their tragic death and support the family's constitutional right to remembrance and desire to grieve in peace." Sommer had no comment for Fox News Digital. The Associated Press reported that the petition detailed Gene and Betsy's discrete lifestyle in Santa Fe. The deceased "lived an exemplary private life for over thirty years in Santa Fe, New Mexico and did not showcase their lifestyle," according to the petition. Like What You're Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News Gene and Betsy's estate is represented by Julia Peters, a partner and chief counsel for the Avalon Trust Co. investment firm. According to the petition, Peters was Hackman's third choice of estate representative. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, Betsy was Gene's first choice, and his second choice was attorney Michael G. Sutin. Sutin died in 2019. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department confirmed during a press conference that Betsy likely died Feb. 11, and Gene most likely died one week later. Betsy died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, New Mexico officials told reporters. Gene died from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor. Feb. 18 was the last day activity was recorded on Gene's pacemaker. The device noted an "abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation." Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter Gene'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. Fox News Digital's Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this article source: Gene Hackman's estate attempts to block release of photographs, footage from death investigation
Fox News
14-03-2025
- Fox News
Gene Hackman's estate attempts to block release of photographs, footage from death investigation
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's estate is attempting to block the release of photos, videos and police bodycam footage related to the couple's deaths. Lawyer Kurt Sommer filed a petition Tuesday in state District Court in Santa Fe attempting to prevent the medical investigator and the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office from releasing footage, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican. The petition attempts to block the release of the couple's autopsy and "death investigation" until their deaths can be litigated, according to the outlet. Sommer wrote that once the images are released "the bell cannot be unrung." Sommer argued the couple's right to privacy outweighs the public interest in the couple's death. He cited Kurt Cobain's death in his petition and pointed out that a court refused to release the "death-scene" photographs. "Undersigned counsel cannot think of respective harm that would come to the State and County offices from respecting the discretion of Mr. Hackman's and Mrs. Hackman-Arakawa's right to privacy." "Undersigned counsel cannot think of respective harm that would come to the State and County offices from respecting the discretion of Mr. Hackman's and Mrs. Hackman-Arakawa's right to privacy," he wrote. "During their lifetime, the Hackmans placed significant value on their privacy and took affirmative, vigilant steps to safeguard their privacy. "Mr. and Mrs. Hackman were members of this community, not part-time casual residents. The Personal Representative seeks to continue to preserve the privacy of the Hackmans following their tragic death and support the family's constitutional right to remembrance and desire to grieve in peace." The Associated Press reported that the petition detailed Gene and Betsy's discrete lifestyle in Santa Fe. The deceased "lived an exemplary private life for over thirty years in Santa Fe, New Mexico and did not showcase their lifestyle," according to the petition. Gene and Betsy's estate is represented by Julia Peters, a partner and chief counsel for the Avalon Trust Co. investment firm. According to the petition, Peters was Hackman's third choice of estate representative. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, Betsy was Gene's first choice, and his second choice was attorney Michael G. Sutin. Sutin died in 2019. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department confirmed during a press conference that Betsy likely died Feb. 11, and Gene most likely died one week later. Betsy died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, New Mexico officials told reporters. Gene died from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor. Feb. 18 was the last day activity was recorded on Gene's pacemaker. The device noted an "abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation." Gene'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.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Here's a cup of thanks to Gene, Betsy and belonging
Santa Fe New Mexican Publisher Patrick Dorsey and I were having lunch with a policy thought leader a while ago when our host leaned in the shhhhh-have-I-got-a-big-secret way. 'The woman that walked in — the one in the white dress — that's Ali MacGraw,' he said, putting aside all of our small talk and wonky policy chatter. My teen crush for Ali clashed with calmer, older dude self as I discreetly scanned the courtyard while navigating a plate of green chile enchiladas. Teen Me would have gawked profusely and walked away with lunch splattered everywhere. Oldish Me couldn't find Ali if she had suddenly rolled out a yoga mat — but at least the white button-down shirt was spotless. Welcome to Santa Fe, which contemporizes the chicken vs. egg debate with the same level of high-price intrigue: Do famous people make the city famous? Or does fame's allure start with the city? Versions of the Ali anecdote are normalized in Santa Fe, where stories about the rich and/or famous pop up regularly in everyday conversations. (Even my Oklahoma-based family members — who skew every conversation toward weather and former Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield — want to know if I've seen George R.R. Martin in Santa Fe.) It felt prescient, though, to hear recently that Gene Hackman occasionally got coffee at a local Speedway. Maybe it's hearsay, but it's an affirmation we want to believe about a Santa Fe resident who knew when to be in and out of the spotlight. The most iconic of the Lex Luthor movie characters lived here, stopped occasionally at a local gas station, and apparently sipped a different kind of kryptonite from a paper cup. News broke on in the early hours Thursday that Mr. Hackman and his wife, local business owner Betsy Arakawa, had died in their Santa Fe home. Early findings indicated no foul play, but the circumstances of their deaths have prompted curiosity — and conspiracies — reflective of his worldwide fame. The Santa Fe New Mexican's Nicholas Gilmore, Phaedra Haywood, Nathan Brown, Cynthia Miller and Daniel J. Chacón focused coverage on our strength area — the couple's impact on our community and state. (Much applause to Nick, who has dealt with the frenetic flow of information updates.) Nate put together a compilation of Gene Hackman's mentions in The New Mexican. This Sept. 4, 2011, post shows the two-time Oscar winner's sense of humor: "We live in Santa Fe, N.M. I see film crews on the side of the road sometimes, but normally I don't stop. I did stop once, though. A young assistant director was directing traffic. I pulled up next to her and asked her if they were hiring any extras. She said, 'no, I'm very sorry, sir.' " The New Mexican's print edition on Friday included Phaedra's story headlined 'A 'quiet yet profound' impact on S.F.' Readers learned of a couple with close friends who invested in local businesses and cared about Santa Feans. That sense of belonging is an important identifier for any community. 'Despite the reality of not truly knowing celebrities, people feel as if they do know them intimately, often forming intense emotional and psychological connections to them,' wrote Vanderbilt University's Jennifer Edson Escalas and Duke University's James R. Bettman for a 2017 article in Journal of Advertising. In Santa Fe, the setting is naturally serene even for those who get The New York Times' news obituary treatment. It's easy to blend here. Fame also comes in many forms. You can enjoy the morning vibe at Downtown Subscription at 376 Garcia St., Santa Fe, with no clue that bestselling authors, museum-caliber artists and famous scientists are sitting nearby. We share Ali-like anecdotes because we're proud to live here. Their fame becomes the community's fame. Sadly, though, we'll go to Speedway now with a different view of a cheap cup. The world will remember Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa for red-carpet moments. The City Different will remember the couple as neighbors, friends — and how they made us feel we belong here, too.
