Gene Hackman judge rules on whether photos of  bodies can be released
Share and Follow

A Santa Fe judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the release of pictures of the bodies of actor Gene Hackman and his wife.

A representative for the estates of the Oscar-winner, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, filed the request, which the court approved Monday. 

A hearing on the matter has been scheduled for March 31.

The bodies of the Oscar winner and his wife were found earlier this month in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home. 

The issued restraining order also includes images of the interior of the couple’s home. 

Hackman passed away due to heart disease aggravated by Alzheimer’s disease, just one week after his wife succumbed to a rare rodent-borne illness. At the time of his death, the iconic actor was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and it seems that he was unaware of his wife’s passing.

Hackman was found in the home’s entryway, and Arakawa was found in a bathroom.

Their beloved dog Zinna starved to death inside a kennel sometime after Arakawa died. 

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa are seen in 1989

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa are seen in 1989

Police are seen outside the couple's Santa Fe home. The cause of their deaths remains unknown

Police are seen outside the couple’s Santa Fe home. The cause of their deaths remains unknown

All three bodies were decomposing with some mummification, a consequence of body type and climate in Santa Fe’s especially dry air at an elevation of nearly 7,200 feet.

Arakawa, born in Hawaii, studied as a concert pianist, attended the University of Southern California and met Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a California gym.

Hackman, a Hollywood icon, won two Oscars during a storied career in films including The French Connection, Hoosiers and Superman from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.

The pair led a private life after moving to Santa Fe decades ago. A representative for the couple’s estate has cited that privacy in seeking to block the public release of autopsy and investigative reports related to their deaths, especially photographs and video. It will be up to a state district judge to consider that request.

The couple’s German shepherd, named Bear, survived along with a second dog named Nikita, according to Joey Padilla, owner of the Santa Fe Tails pet care, where Hackman and Arakawa often boarded their dogs. Both are being cared for. 

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa are seen with two unidentified dogs. Two of their three dogs survived and are in the care of one of their friends

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa are seen with two unidentified dogs. Two of their three dogs survived and are in the care of one of their friends 

Hackman arrives with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, for the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills in January 2003

Hackman arrives with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, for the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills in January 2003

Following days of intense media attention and public speculation surrounding the couple’s mysterious passing, investigators last week finally determined the cause of death and revealed Hackman and Arakawa had likely been lying dead in their home for up to two weeks before being discovered.

Autopsy results confirmed Hackman died of cardiovascular disease with advanced Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor around February 18. His wife is believed to have died several days earlier on February 11, of the rodent-borne disease hantavirus.

An investigation into the deaths is still being completed by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, who are using information gained from cell phones gathered at the residence in addition to last contacts made to finish the timeline of events, according to the AP.

‘The case is considered active until we have that information to tie up the timeline,’ Denise Womack Avila, a spokesperson for the sheriff, said, according to the AP.

Police, paramedics and the Fire Department rushed to the home on February 26 after a caretaker made the grisly discovery of Arakawa’s dead body.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Community rallies around Lisa Bowling, owner of The Soul Spot at Fox Valley Mall in Aurora, after cancer diagnosis

Community Unites in Support for The Soul Spot Owner Lisa Bowling Amid Cancer Battle at Aurora’s Fox Valley Mall

AURORA, Ill. — The community of Aurora is coming together in a…
MN scandal deepens in video of parents pretending to drop kids off

Minnesota Controversy Intensifies with Release of Video Showing Parents Faking School Drop-Offs

The unfolding fraud scandal in Minnesota might stretch back ten years, with…
George Clooney ditches Hollywood culture for France, gains citizenship with wife and twins

George Clooney Embraces Life in France: Actor and Family Secure French Citizenship

Actor George Clooney, his wife Amal Alamuddin Clooney, and their two children…
The 2-hour 'Stranger Things' finale will be in theaters on New Year's. Here's how to get tickets.

Mark Your Calendars: Release Date Revealed for ‘Stranger Things’ Epic Series Finale on Netflix

The eagerly anticipated conclusion to the beloved series is swiftly approaching. Here’s…
Wife of Jill Biden's ex dies after cops called to domestic dispute'

Tragic Turn of Events: Ex-Wife of Jill Biden’s Former Spouse Passes Away Following Domestic Dispute

Authorities were alerted to a domestic disturbance at a residence in Oak…
Who Jets, Giants need to watch as College Football Playoff unfolds

Key College Football Players the Jets and Giants Should Scout During Playoffs

This weekend’s NFL action has positioned the Giants and the Jets in…
What will happen to Arrowhead when the Chiefs leave?

The Future of Arrowhead Stadium: What’s Next After the Chiefs’ Departure?

Concerns are mounting that Arrowhead Stadium might become a neglected “white elephant”…
ALISON BOSHOFF: Can Sussexes' charity survive after top aide leaves?

Future of Sussexes’ Charity in Question After Key Aide’s Departure: What’s Next?

About two weeks ago, an exhilarating late-night call brought some surprising news.…