Gene Hackman's Shocking Will: Why His Kids Were Left Out!

The details of Gene Hackman’s will are coming to light.

After the passing away of both of them, which occurred in February, details from their wills have emerged. In these documents, it is clear that Betsy Arakawa was the only person named as a beneficiary. Copies of these documents were obtained by various media sources.

As per the reports, Gene apparently made that choice in 1995. Interestingly, none of his children – Christopher Allen Hackman (age 65), Elizabeth Jean Hackman (age 62), and Leslie Ann Hackman (age 58) – whom he had with his first wife Faye Maltese – were mentioned in his will.

Bessy arranged for most of her wealth to be inherited by Gene, as confirmed by documents obtained by People. However, it was also noted that she included a clause stating if they were to pass away within 90 days of each other, their assets would instead be donated to a charitable trust with the aim of benefiting the community, reflecting the philanthropic inclinations they had expressed during their lives.

After the passing of their father, Betsy (age 65), along with Gene’s daughters and his granddaughter, Annie Hackman, issued a collective expression of sorrow.

We regretfully inform you that our father, Gene Hackman, along with his wife, Betsy, has passed away. To millions worldwide, he was a legendary actor, but to us, he will forever be remembered as Dad and Grandpa. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow and grief at this loss.

After the bodies of Gene and Betsy were found on February 26, and as people started discussing possible reasons for their deaths, Leslie expressed her wish that the truth behind their passing would be revealed soon.

She expressed her curiosity about the unusual nature of the deaths to Us Weekly on February 27th, stating, “I’m quite eager to learn more about what transpired, and I’m unsure of how long they had been deceased. At this point, even the authorities are uncertain.

Authorities won’t be able to pinpoint the exact date or the circumstances of Betsy and Gene’s deaths for more than a week.

According to footage reviewed during a press conference held on March 7th, it’s suspected that Betsy passed away on February 11th as a result of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a serious lung disease contracted by coming into contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. This was confirmed through lab tests.

It was reported earlier that Gene passed away on February 18, a week later, due to complications from an irregular heart rhythm (abnormal atrial fibrillation) detected by his pacemaker. The cause of death for the actor famous for “The French Connection” was attributed to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which is essentially hardening of the arteries, along with Alzheimer’s disease, which played a significant role in his demise.

The medical expert noted that the renowned figure from Hollywood was deeply affected by Alzheimer’s during his final days, to the point where it’s plausible he didn’t realize Betsy had passed away. At the moment of his demise, there was no trace of food in his system.

For more on the tragic events surrounding Gene and Betsy’s deaths, keep reading.

In the Santa Fe, New Mexico residence of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who had been married for 33 years, a tragic discovery was made on February 26. Two maintenance workers spotted their bodies from outside the house through a window and immediately notified the community caretaker. The caretaker subsequently contacted emergency services by dialing 911.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that statement as follows: “I’m reporting that there’s no movement over here, I urgently request for immediate response from your team.

Upon the arrival of Santa Fe County sheriff’s deputies, they discovered Arakawa, aged 65, lying on the floor of a bathroom situated to the left of the front door. The affidavit for a search warrant dated February 27, obtained by TopMob News, indicates that she was dressed in a sweatshirt and sweatpants. Additionally, there was an open prescription pill bottle and pills scattered loosely on the countertop.

95-year-old Hackman was discovered in a space resembling a mudroom close to the kitchen, according to deputies’ accounts. Near his body were a walking stick and a pair of sunglasses.

Amongst the couple’s three dogs, it was initially thought to be their German shepherd named Bear, but in reality, it was their Australian Kelpie mix called Zinna who was discovered deceased inside a bathroom closet, as stated in the warrant. Meanwhile, another dog appeared healthy and was found near Arakawa’s body, while the other dog, seemingly healthy too, was seen running outside.

On February 26, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a search warrant was carried out at the house. The bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were taken away from there the next morning.

As a diligent follower, I can rephrase that statement as follows: The sheriff’s office announced on February 27th that there were no indications of foul play, but investigators found the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two individuals to be so suspicious that they deemed it necessary to conduct an extensive search and investigation, as stated in the warrant.

According to the warrant, there was no clear evidence of blunt-force injury, carbon monoxide contamination, or unlawful entrance into the house. Instead, deputies reported that the front door was slightly open.

Additionally, there were indications suggesting that Hackman and Arakawa had been deceased for some time. A deputy pointed out that her body exhibited partial decomposition, with mummification occurring around her hands and feet, as stated in the warrant. Similarly, Hackman’s body displayed similar signs of mortality. Furthermore, both bodies seemed to have fallen to the ground unexpectedly.

The person who initially found the bodies informed investigators that they had last talked with the couple approximately two weeks prior, as stated in the search warrant, and typically communicated with Arakawa via phone conversations and text messages.

In simple terms, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza informed the Santa Fe New Mexican that they are currently conducting a preliminary inquiry into a potential death. He wants to reassure the community and local residents that at this moment, there is no imminent threat to anyone’s safety.

During the search, investigators took away two mobile phones, medications for blood pressure and thyroid, Tylenol, personal medical records, and a 2025 calendar as per the summary of the warrant.

At a news conference held on February 28th, Sheriff Mendoza stated that Hackman’s pacemaker’s last registered activity occurred on February 17th. He went on to suggest that it is a strong possibility, even reasonable to assume, that this was Hackman’s final day of life.

Mendoza stated they were still examining details such as call logs, texts, calendar entries, and photos from mobile devices to construct a sequence of events.

But it wasn’t going to be easy.

According to the sheriff, they recognize it’s difficult since these individuals were quite private, and their family keeps a low profile. They are currently gathering all relevant details as quickly as possible.

In a heartfelt statement, Leslie, Elizabeth, and Annie, the actor’s daughters, announced the unfortunate demise of their beloved father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. They expressed that while the world knew him as a brilliant actor, to them he was simply Dad and Grandpa. Their hearts are filled with sorrow and they are deeply saddened by this loss.

As one of the three children actor Leslie Anne Allen shares with his first wife Faye Maltese, I haven’t had the chance to see my father for a few years due to our different locations – I live in California and he doesn’t travel as much anymore. However, we’ve managed to keep in touch over the past couple of months.

In my heart, I deeply cherished him, I confessed. He embodied genuine kindness, and his actions spoke volumes. As for his wellbeing, Leslie attested that he maintained it diligently through consistent practice of yoga and pilates.

Over time, family members stated that they were making an effort to disregard speculations regarding potential events, preferring to focus on receiving concrete information from official sources instead.

In a conversation with Us Weekly, Tim Hackman, nephew of the late actor, expressed that they’re currently awaiting the results from the toxicology report. This information will provide clarity on the situation. He mentioned it’s challenging to engage in theoretical discussions at this point, as there are numerous theories circulating. He also stressed his preference not to contribute to speculation, especially negative ones.

He commented, “At 95, my uncle had reached an age when one often considers, ‘It’s time,’ but given the current situation, there has been quite a significant shift.

Since the late 1980s, Hackman, who last appeared in a film in 2004’s “Welcome to Mooseport”, has resided in Santa Fe with Arakawa. An artist himself, he was deeply involved in the local art community and served on the board of the Georgia O’Keefe Museum from 1997 until 2004.

Stuart Ashman, a longtime friend and gallery owner, shared with the Los Angeles Times that he was a rather unassuming person, despite having captivating tales about Hollywood and famous celebrities. Essentially, he led a laid-back life, much like an ordinary individual.

Jennifer LaBar-Tapia, the film commissioner of Santa Fe, explained to journalists that Hackman and Arakawa have roots that run deeply through the very essence of Santa Fe.

However, there have been fewer instances of Hackman being spotted, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniel Lenihan shared with People that the actor, known for his regular walks with his dogs, bike rides, and local business visits, has been largely confined to his home in recent months. Aaron Lenihan mentioned that they were making efforts to keep Hackman active and engaged, but according to Daniel, Hackman’s health seemed to be deteriorating.

As a devoted admirer, I can attest that Barbara Lenihan mentioned that the distinguished classical pianist, Daniel, was in “impeccable health” and exhibited an impressive level of fitness.

In March 2024, the latest photograph of a seemingly weakened Hackman and Arakawa, taken in public, was shared by Page Six.

According to Sheriff Mendoza on February 28, tests for carbon monoxide poisoning in Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies were found to be negative. However, he emphasized that a full autopsy and toxicology report may not be available for up to three months or more.

On March 4, the New Mexico Gas Company reported that although a small leak was detected in a stove burner, the amount of carbon monoxide released was not sufficient to be potentially deadly, and their subsequent investigation found no additional leaks or problems with the gas line.

The investigators noted multiple infractions of building codes elsewhere in the residence, however, no issues related to gas or carbon monoxide were found.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but share the unfortunate news that my beloved idol, tragically succumbed to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome – a seldom-seen lung disease triggered by contact with rodents, specifically their droppings, urine, or saliva. This sobering revelation was made by none other than Dr. Heather Jarrell, the esteemed Chief Medical Examiner of New Mexico, during a press briefing on March 7th.

Meanwhile, Hackman appeared to be battling the progressive stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as stated by Jarrell. His health was severely compromised, with a serious heart condition being a major factor leading to his unfortunate demise.

Arakawa may have experienced flu-like symptoms before she died, the medical examiner said.

Erin Phipps, the public health vet of New Mexico, mentioned that the couple’s house presented a low risk for exposure, yet there were indications of rodents residing in other buildings on the property.

Over a period of nearly three decades from 1993 to 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented 122 instances and 52 fatalities related to hantavirus in New Mexico.

Based on the coroner’s findings, it appears that Arakawa, who was last seen on February 11 running errands, had likely been deceased for approximately a week prior to Hackman’s death, which seemed to have occurred around February 18, as indicated by his last pacemaker activity (a day later than the initial report from authorities).

Their bodies weren’t discovered for another eight days, so 15 days after Arakawa died.

According to what’s known so far, Hackman remained at home, accompanied only by his wife’s body, until he met his own fate.

In a more conversational tone: It appears that Hackman was the only one in the house with his wife’s body until something happened to him too.

Jarrell stated that it seemed plausible that he hadn’t realized she had passed away. As for Hackman, she pointed out that there was no food in his system at the time of death, yet he wasn’t suffering from dehydration.

It’s regrettable to note that the family’s pet dog, Zinna, perished due to lack of food and water, as confirmed by veterinarian Phipps, who found her confined in a bathroom crate.

According to Sheriff Mendoza on March 7, there’s no sign that anyone was taking care of the house at that time.

For quite some time, Arakawa had been overseeing her husband’s daily activities, arranging his golf outings and social visits with friends, as per Tom Allin, a long-time friend who shared that he often conversed with Hackman by phone, but it was always Arakawa he spoke to.

According to Allin, she was extremely watchful over him. It’s likely that Hackman wouldn’t be alive today without her constant care.

According to his friend Ashman, we all should have been keeping tabs on Hackman. Ashman expressed his surprise, saying he wasn’t aware of anything. It’s truly heartbreaking. What makes it worse is that she passed away a week prior to him. Oh my, what a tragedy.

On what seemed like her final day alive, Arakawa sent an email to her masseuse in the morning hours. Later, she visited a grocery store in the afternoon, made a brief stop at a pharmacy, and eventually went to a pet store. The authorities state that she returned home around 5:15 PM. From February 12th onward, she did not respond to any emails.

Sheriff Mendoza stated that it seemed likely to him she often donned a mask when out completing her tasks, as her friends mentioned this was due to her concern about unintentionally spreading any diseases back to her husband at home.

2025-03-14 21:50

Gene Hackman’s Shocking Will: Why His Kids Were Left Out!

Read More