Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home. Hackman, a successful Hollywood star awarded two Oscars, left his entire estate to his wife in a trust signed in 1995. In turn, Arakawa, a pianist, prioritized her husband Gene Hackman in her will regarding the distribution of her estate.
The perplexing circumstances of their deaths, separated by a week, have led to legal revelations. Attorney David Esquibias pointed out that the liability lies with the trust of Gene Hackman, unless Betsy Arakawa expressed otherwise in her will.
The document does not mention Hackman's children from his previous marriage, which complicates the legal situation. Gene Hackman's fortune is estimated at 80 million dollars, coming from his successful career in the film industry.
Betsy Arakawa's will contained a special clause considering a simultaneous or near death with her husband. In such a case, the assets would be allocated to charity following the values expressed during their lives. The uncertainty about Hackman's direct heirs raises questions about the distribution of his estate and who would be the legitimate beneficiary.
