GAINESVILLE -- Death threats, vandalism and lost advertising are what the student newspaper at the University of Florida has endured since trying to gain access to Dale Earnhardt's autopsy photographs.

The Independent Florida Alligator went to court this week in Daytona Beach for permission to view photos of the NASCAR legend, who was killed Feb. 18 in a crash at the Daytona 500. On Wednesday, a judge ruled they would remain sealed under a new state law prohibiting release of autopsy photos without a judge's OK.

Most of the death threats to editors at the Alligator have come in the form of e-mails.

"We view them as people getting their emotions out," said Trey Csar, 21, a senior at UF and managing editor of the independent student newspaper.

Some threatened to kill the editors and their families and post their pictures on the Internet, Csar said Friday.

Several of the Alligator's newspaper boxes were taped shut and papered with fliers urging readers to "Boycott the Alligator" and "Let Dale Earnhardt rest in peace!!"

A bottle of ketchup was sprayed outside the paper's building this spring. At least one advertiser has pulled out of the paper because of its campaign to obtain the photos.

The Alligator staff isn't the only target. The Orlando Sentinel and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel also received threatening letters and e-mails.