Gene Hackman's Will Excludes Children, Sparks Potential Legal Battle

Gene Hackman's will, recently released, designates his entire $80 million estate to his late wife, Betsy Arakawa, potentially excluding his three children from inheritance. The couple was found dead in their New Mexico home on February 26, with Arakawa reportedly passing away a week earlier from a rare virus and Hackman succumbing to heart disease complicated by Alzheimer's. This situation could lead to a legal battle, as Hackman's son, Christopher, has engaged an attorney to challenge the will, arguing that under California law, children typically inherit before a surviving spouse. Legal experts suggest that the timing of the couple's deaths and the will's provisions may be critical in any dispute. Additionally, Hackman's estate is attempting to prevent the release of police and medical examiner footage related to their deaths. The relationship between Hackman and his children had been described positively, although there were communication issues prior to his passing.