The estate of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman, valued at $80 million, is now entangled in legal battles and family disputes following his mysterious death and the discovery of significant credit card debt.
Financial Troubles Emerge Posthumously
New court records reveal that Gene Hackman, the two-time Academy Award winner, passed away with close to $100,000 in unpaid credit card debt. Specifically, he owed Citibank $98,345.29.
His wife, Betsy Arakawa, who was found dead beside him, also had a separate credit card debt of $4,329.75 with Bank of America. Since both passed away unexpectedly, these debts were not cleared, leading the banks to file claims against their respective estates.
Despite the outstanding amounts, these debts are considered minor when compared to Hackman’s substantial $80 million estate. It’s anticipated that these claims will be settled relatively quickly as the estate moves through probate.
Unraveling the Mystery of Their Deaths
Gene Hackman was 95 years old at the time of his passing and had reportedly been battling Alzheimer’s and heart issues. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, is believed to have died several days earlier than Hackman.
Her cause of death is thought to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare illness often spread by rodents. The couple, along with one of their dogs, were discovered deceased inside their New Mexico home in early January after concerned neighbors contacted 911 due to their sudden disappearance.
Authorities arriving on the scene noted that Betsy’s body had already begun to decompose, indicating she had passed away some time before Hackman’s death was confirmed.
The Will and the Family Dispute
The situation is further complicated by Hackman’s will, which has remained unchanged since 2005. In this document, Betsy Arakawa was named the sole successor trustee, inheriting everything from his vast estate.
However, with Arakawa also deceased, questions are now arising about the future of the $80 million fortune. Hackman had three adult children—Christopher Allen Hackman, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, and Leslie Anne Hackman—but none of them were mentioned in his will.
While the children reportedly released a statement expressing devastation over the news, it has been widely known that they had been estranged from their father for many years.
- Gene Hackman’s $80 million estate faces legal claims for nearly $100,000 in credit card debt.
- Both Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their New Mexico home under unexplained circumstances.
- Hackman’s will, last updated in 2005, left his entire estate to his wife, excluding his three adult children.
- Betsy Arakawa’s death is suspected to be from hantavirus, while Hackman was battling Alzheimer’s and heart problems.
The resolution of these financial and familial disputes will now unfold through the legal system as the management of the late actor’s legacy continues.
