Gene Hackman's $80M Estate: The Drama Unfolds a Year After His Death

Gene Hackman's $80 million estate is entangled in legal proceedings one year after his death, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa. The couple was discovered dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home in February 2025.

Legal Proceedings Unfold

Attorney Julia L. Peters applied to be the personal representative of Hackman's estate following Arakawa and attorney Michael G. Sutin's passing. Hackman's will, last updated in 2005, did not nominate his children as representatives.

Peters believes Avalon Trust, LLC is best suited to manage the trusts created by Hackman before his death. This includes the Gene Hackman Living Trust and the GeBe Revocable Trust.

Role of Gene Hackman's Children

A lawyer for Hackman’s three children filed an appearance on March 20, 2025, although no further action has been reported. Legal expert Gregory Doll mentioned the lack of issues from the court’s handling of the situation may explain this inactivity.

The children have been staying informed about proceedings to protect their interests if necessary.

Unclaimed Remains and Debt Issues

Following their deaths from unrelated health conditions, Hackman and Arakawa's bodies remained unclaimed for days until a maintenance worker found them. Authorities have linked financial scrutiny to an outstanding credit card debt at the time of his passing.

The couple's home was reportedly cluttered, with signs of mummification found on Arakawa’s body due to decomposition inside their residence.