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Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, passed away more than a month ago, and their remains are still at the New Mexico Medical Examiner's Office unclaimed. Since the couple were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, they have remained on the state's list of unclaimed decedents, prompting many to question why family members have not yet been able to receive their remains.
The list of the New Mexico Medical Examiner’s Office is updated every Monday; Hackman and Arakawa's names were still on it. Bodies that go unclaimed for long periods are usually the result of families finalizing plans, resolving legal issues, or dealing with logistical problems. It is a common thing to occur, but considering Hackman's prominence in Hollywood, it has raised questions about possible family conflicts or issues surrounding Hackman's $80 million inheritance.
The 91-year-old actor, who died recently, shared three kids with Faye Maltese from his first marriage. It includes Christopher, 65, Leslie, 62, and Elizabeth, 58. According to his 2005 will, all the inheritance will go to his second wife, Betsy Arakawa, and not his children.
Rumors of a strained relationship were strengthened when Christopher was the only sibling who did not issue a public statement mourning his passing. According to TMZ, Gene Hackman's eldest child has hired well-known California trust and estate lawyer Andrew M. Katzenstein, who is "indicating he may challenge the will."
Gene Hackman had opened up about his strained relationship with his kids because of his career. However, later in life, he tried reconnecting with them.
Cause of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's death
According to the authorities, Betsy Arakawa, who was 65, passed away on February 12 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a fatal and rare disease spread by the urinal or droppings of rodents. It results in severe respiratory problems and organ failure.
The 91-year-old actor died on February 17 or 18, a few days later. His pacemaker stopped recording activity on the 18. Along with advanced Alzheimers, Gene Hackman also had hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which contributed to his cause of death.
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The state may have to intervene in this matter if Hackman and Arakawa's remains are left unclaimed for a long time. Unclaimed remains in New Mexico are usually cremated or buried through state-funded programs following all failed attempts at contacting the family.
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