Oscar-winning actor Hackman and his wife pass away, fearing a fierce battle over their estate will erupt.

Hollywood legendary actor Gene Hackman was found dead on February 26th along with his Japanese American wife Betsy Arakawa and their beloved dog at their home in New Mexico. Two weeks later, on March 14th, their will was revealed, containing shocking details that could lead to a fierce inheritance battle.

According to the investigation files from the New Mexico state medical examiner, Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa died suddenly after contracting hantavirus, while Hackman, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, may have been unaware that his wife had passed away before him. With no one to care for him, he succumbed to cardiovascular disease a week later.

After the causes of death of the couple, aged 95 and 65 respectively, were determined, details of Hackman’s will were also disclosed.

Documents obtained by “People” magazine revealed that a trust agreement reached on September 22, 1995, showed Hackman had left his entire $80 million estate to his wife. His 65-year-old son Christopher and 62-year-old daughter Elizabeth from a previous marriage, as well as his daughter Leslie from his first marriage with Faye Maltese, were not bequeathed any assets. However, given that both spouses have passed away, according to inheritance laws, his children might still be eligible for inheritance.

It is reported that his eldest son has hired a prominent estate and probate lawyer, seemingly preparing for an inheritance dispute.

Hackman initially established a property trust called the “GeBe Revocable Trust,” but in 1994, he exercised his rights to appoint Betsy Arakawa as the successor trustee, which took effect on September 22, 1995.

On June 7, 2005, Hackman signed the latest version of his will, which was actually signed on the same day by both him and his wife, each designating the other as the primary executor of their estate. However, Betsy Arakawa’s will included a provision that if her death occurred within 90 days of Hackman’s, they would be considered to have died simultaneously. In that scenario, her estate would be entirely donated to charitable organizations.

It is currently unclear at what point Hackman was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that could affect his decision-making abilities. Legal experts point out that the previous trust agreement is crucial, as prior to Hackman amending the trust in 1994 and appointing Betsy as the successor trustee, his children may have been the original beneficiaries.

Gene Hackman, whose acting career spanned six decades, won two Oscars, two BAFTA Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. His notable works include “The French Connection,” “Unforgiven,” “The Royal Tenenbaums,” and “Mississippi Burning.” After starring in “Runaway Jury” in 2003, he quietly retired. His wife Betsy Arakawa, a former classical pianist, married Hackman in 1991.