As Betsy Arakawa reportedly died up to a week prior to her husband dying, questions have been raised over who his estate will go fall to
For the last month, the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have dominated the news agenda around the world.
Speculation swirled around the tragic deaths of 95-year-old actor Gene Hackman and his partner, classical pianist Betsy, after their bodies were found on February 26 in separate rooms of their New Mexico home. Many initially suspected a gas leak as the cause of death.
However, nine days later, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed the cause of death. She stated: “The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman, aged 95, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease contributing significantly.” Dr. Jarrell also confirmed that Betsy passed away from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, adding that “the manner of death is natural.”
Hantavirus, a rare and dangerous infectious disease, starts with flu-like symptoms but can quickly progress into severe conditions affecting the lungs and heart, posing a life-threatening risk.
With the cause of death now confirmed, the two-time Oscar-winning actor’s three children have learned the fate of his will, bringing some closure to the family.
In the wake of Gene Hackman’s passing, his will has been made public, revealing that the Oscar-winning actor left his entire estate to Betsy, his longtime partner.
Before marrying Betsy, Hackman had three children with his ex-wife Faye Maltese: Christopher Allen Hackman (65), Elizabeth Jean Hackman (62), and Leslie Anne Hackman (58). According to legal documents cited by BBC News, Hackman named Betsy as the sole beneficiary of his fortune in 1995, updating the will in 2005.
However, with Betsy’s death also confirmed, the future of Hackman’s estate has now become uncertain.
In an interview with BBC News, California attorney Tre Lovell explained that under succession laws, Hackman’s children could potentially inherit the estate. This would depend on whether they can prove Betsy passed away before Hackman, thereby invalidating the will and reopening the question of who ultimately receives the inheritance.
Tre Lovell further clarified: “The estate will actually be probated in accordance with intestate succession laws, meaning the children would be lawfully next in line to inherit.”
However, given that Hackman and Betsy passed away just weeks apart—believed to be with Hackman possibly living alongside his wife’s body for about a week—the situation is far from straightforward. Both Hackman and Betsy had appointed their attorney, Michael G. Sutin, as the first successor for the personal representative of their estates.
Tragically, Sutin passed away in 2019. Thankfully, the couple had foreseen such a possibility and had made provisions for it. They had named Julia L. Peters as the second successor to handle the personal representation of Hackman’s estate, ensuring a smooth transition of their final wishes despite the unforeseen circumstances.
