A New Mexico judge has ruled that some records related to the death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman will remain private, despite the estate’s efforts to keep them under wraps.
The estate had sought to block the release of autopsy reports, toxicology results, and photos of the deceased couple’s bodies, citing concerns over a “media frenzy” and potential trauma for the family. However, the judge has allowed some records to be released, including the final autopsy report and toxicology results.
According to court documents, Hackman died from hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributing factor. His wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
The estate had argued that releasing these records would allow the media to use them “in perpetuity” without permission. However, the judge ultimately ruled that the right to privacy does not extend beyond death.
In other related news, bodycam footage from the investigation showed Betsy’s hairstylist claiming she was fearful of being followed in the weeks leading up to her death. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department had released some records, including an interview with the hairstylist and footage of Hackman’s home.
The case has been ongoing since February when authorities discovered Hackman and his wife deceased inside their Santa Fe home.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/gene-hackman-judge-rules-death-scene-images-after-family-argues-grotesque-pictures-could-cause-trauma