When Gene Hackman’s will was finally revealed, one detail stood out—“his three children were nowhere to be found.” Instead, his estimated $80 million fortune was left entirely to one person.

Documents show that Hackman named his wife, Betsy Arakawa, as the sole beneficiary of a trust created in 1995. His children—Christopher, Leslie, and Elizabeth—were not mentioned. However, Betsy’s will complicates matters. It stated that if she and Gene died within 90 days of each other, their deaths would be considered simultaneous. In that case, “her assets would then be directed to charitable organizations.”

Since New Mexico is a community property state, and assuming no prenuptial agreement, Betsy’s estate likely included a large share of their combined wealth. With her passing on February 11, 2025, and Gene’s death just a week later, “the timing of their deaths adds complexity.”

Betsy died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and Gene, suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s, died from heart disease. Legal disputes could follow as the heirs—his children—may inherit his portion, depending on how the wills are interpreted.

One thing is clear: “The exact distribution of the estate hinges on timing.”