Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Estate Fights Release of Photos and Videos
The estate of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa is taking legal action to prevent the release of photos, videos, and police bodycam footage related to the couple’s deaths. Lawyer Kurt Sommer filed a petition in a New Mexico court to block the release of the couple’s autopsy and “death investigation” until their deaths can be litigated.
Protecting Privacy Rights
Sommer argues that the couple’s right to privacy outweighs the public interest in their deaths. He cites the case of Kurt Cobain, where a court refused to release “death-scene” photographs. Sommer emphasizes that respecting the Hackmans’ privacy would not harm the state and county offices involved in their case.
Exemplary Private Life
The petition details the discreet lifestyle the deceased couple maintained in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Gene and Betsy lived an exemplary private life for over thirty years and did not flaunt their lifestyle. The Hackmans valued their privacy and took active measures to protect it.
Representation and Estate Choices
Julia Peters, a partner and chief counsel for the Avalon Trust Co. investment firm, represents the estate of Gene and Betsy. Peters was Gene’s third choice as the estate representative, after Betsy and attorney Michael G. Sutin, who passed away in 2019.
Cause of Deaths
According to officials, Betsy likely died on February 11, with Gene’s death occurring about a week later. Betsy died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, while Gene’s cause of death was hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor. Gene’s pacemaker recorded abnormal cardiac activity on February 18.
Autopsy Results
Gene’s autopsy revealed severe heart disease, including prior heart attacks and kidney damage due to chronic high blood pressure. The examination of his brain showed advanced Alzheimer’s disease and blood vessel changes caused by hypertension. These findings shed light on the health conditions Gene faced before his death.
Timeline of Events
Authorities determined Betsy’s date of death based on her activity and communication. She had an email conversation on the morning of February 11, went to local stores, and returned home around 5:15 p.m. Garage clicker data provided further evidence. Based on these circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Betsy passed away first.
Preserving Privacy and Seeking Justice
The Hackman estate seeks to preserve the couple’s privacy even after their tragic deaths. They want to uphold the family’s constitutional right to remembrance and the opportunity to grieve in peace. The legal battle over the release of photos and videos will determine the balance between privacy rights and public interest in high-profile cases.
