On February 26, 2025, Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home, alongside one deceased dog. Hackman’s $80 million estate, including assets like a $3.8 million Santa Fe property, is now under scrutiny. His children from his first marriage, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie, are at the center of a legal battle over inheritance.

Legal debates focus on Hackman’s will, with questions about his children’s involvement in his later years. New Mexico’s inheritance law, which could impact estate distribution, adds to the complexity. Hackman likely had a will, but any recent changes could affect the beneficiaries.

Arakawa’s death was caused by hantavirus, while Hackman, suffering from Alzheimer’s, passed a week later from heart disease. Two dogs survived, and a close friend, Joey Padilla, is caring for them. The couple had grown increasingly private, withdrawing from social circles.

The investigation into their deaths revealed both passed from natural causes. As the estate battle continues, it remains uncertain how Hackman’s fortune will be divided. The legal process could take years, leaving those close to them to mourn.