The late Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman’s fortune may not follow the instructions in his will due to an unexpected legal loophole. His three children, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie, could inherit a significant portion of the $80 million estate after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died just days before him.
Hackman, 95, passed away on February 18 from heart disease. His 2005 will named Arakawa, 65, as his sole beneficiary, but her death on February 11 could nullify the document’s terms. Legal experts suggest that Hackman’s estate might now be distributed under intestate succession laws, potentially shifting the inheritance to his children.
Legal Experts Weigh In on Inheritance Battle
California attorney Tre Lovell stated that the absence of a surviving spouse means Hackman’s children would be the next legal heirs. Since Arakawa’s passing invalidates her status as a beneficiary, the estate could bypass Hackman’s original plans entirely.
Complicating matters further, Arakawa’s will included a clause stating that if she died within 90 days of Hackman, her estate would be placed in a trust and donated to charity. This stipulation raises additional legal challenges, as Hackman’s children may need to contest the will to claim their inheritance.
Questions Surround Arakawa’s Death Timeline
Medical professionals have also raised concerns about the exact timeline of Arakawa’s passing. Officials determined that she died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on February 11. However, Dr. Josiah Child from Cloudberry Health in Santa Fe stated that he spoke with her on both February 10 and 12. He noted that she showed no signs of respiratory distress, casting doubt on the official report.
Adding to the mystery, reports indicate that Hackman may have lived alone with Arakawa’s remains for several days due to his advanced Alzheimer’s disease, which was later cited as a contributing factor in his death.
Hackman’s Children Remain Silent on Legal Dispute
So far, Hackman’s children have not made any public statements regarding the inheritance battle. However, they did release an emotional tribute to their father, emphasizing his legacy as both an actor and a family man.
“He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa,” the family shared. “We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
As legal proceedings unfold, the fate of Hackman’s estate remains uncertain. With competing claims and conflicting details surrounding Arakawa’s death, the battle over his fortune is likely far from over.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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