Court Temporarily Seals Investigation Files on Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's Deaths

The couple's deaths were determined to be from natural causes, but legal proceedings aim to protect family privacy by restricting access to case details.

Gene Hackman died of heart disease and advanced Alzheimer’s, while Betsy Arakawa succumbed to a rare Hantavirus infection, both determined to be natural causes.
Arakawa contacted a medical service on February 12, 2025, but missed her appointment later that day, likely passing away shortly after.
Hackman was last alive on February 18, 2025, as indicated by his pacemaker’s final recorded activity; their bodies were discovered on February 26, 2025.
A New Mexico court has temporarily blocked the release of investigation files, including autopsy reports and photos, following a request to protect the family’s privacy.
A hearing is scheduled for March 31, 2025, to determine whether the files will remain sealed or be made public.