AceShowbiz - The estate of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has filed a legal motion in a New Mexico court to block the release of photos, videos, and investigative reports related to their deaths.

The couple, who valued their private life in Santa Fe, were discovered dead in their home, Hackman at the age of 95 and Arakawa at 65. While Hackman succumbed to heart disease complicated by Alzheimer's, Arakawa's death was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and deadly disease transmitted by rodents.

The couple's dog, Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix, was found dead in a crate near Arakawa's body. A necropsy revealed that Zinna likely died of dehydration and starvation. Her stomach was mostly empty except for small amounts of hair and bile, with no signs of infection, trauma, or poisoning.

Julia Peters, representing the couple's estate, urged the court to seal the records to safeguard the family's right to privacy. "During their lifetime, the Hackmans placed significant value on their privacy and took affirmative, vigilant steps to safeguard their privacy," the petition read.

The estate emphasized that the potentially graphic nature of the evidence could be shocking and should remain confidential.

New Mexico's open records law typically permits access to investigative records and autopsy reports to ensure government transparency. However, there are exemptions for sensitive images and some medical information.

Amanda Lavin from the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government noted that the court's decision could infringe on government accountability, especially given the public health concern associated with the hantavirus.

The couple's demise has a tragic resonance. Arakawa's hantavirus infection, likely contracted from rodent droppings, had a fatality rate of up to 42% in New Mexico. Hackman, who depended on a pacemaker, might have lived for days alongside his deceased wife, without any external contact.

Their partially mummified bodies were eventually discovered by workers responding to a call for pest control maintenance.

Gene Hackman, hailed as one of the finest actors of his generation, lived a life far removed from the Hollywood limelight after his retirement. Together with Arakawa, a classical pianist, he chose a quiet life in Santa Fe. Their deaths were as private as their lives, with the estate now fighting to keep it that way.

Their wills reflect their profound bond - Hackman left everything to Arakawa, and vice-versa. A charitable clause ensures that if both died within 90 days, their wealth would benefit charity.

Although the Hackman children were not listed as beneficiaries, New Mexico's community property laws mean they stand to inherit Hackman's share.

As court battles ensue over the privacy of their final days, Hackman and Arakawa's story is a poignant reminder of the thin veil between privacy and public scrutiny, and the struggle to maintain dignity even after death.