Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa’s passing has led to complex legal and familial issues surrounding Hackman’s estate. The late actor, who passed away in February, had designated Arakawa as his sole beneficiary back in 1995, leaving his three children from his previous marriage out of the will. With Arakawa now deceased, questions have arisen about the distribution of Hackman’s assets, particularly since New Mexico is a community property state, which typically means assets are jointly owned by spouses.
Hackman’s children, including his son Chris, have taken legal action to contest the will. They’ve enlisted a prominent attorney to explore their legal options, given that they are the most direct heirs despite not being mentioned in the will. The relationships between Hackman and his children were reportedly strained but had improved later in life.
The cause of death for Hackman was determined to be heart disease, along with signs of advanced Alzheimer’s, while Arakawa passed due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Their deaths had initially prompted an investigation, but carbon monoxide poisoning was ruled out. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome for Hackman’s children remains uncertain, but they are actively seeking a resolution to the estate issues.