Following the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, it has come to light that the actor’s children are not in his will.

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa. Credit: Donaldson Collection / Getty

The couple were discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26, sparking an investigation into their deaths.

Investigators believe Arakawa passed away first, on February 11, after contracting hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but deadly virus spread through infected rodent droppings.

She was found lying on the bathroom floor with her head next to a space heater, and thyroid medication pills scattered around her.

However, because Hackman suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, authorities believe it is “quite possible that he was not aware” that his wife had died around a week before he eventually passed away.

“Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease. He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that’s what resulted in his death,” said Dr. Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Investigator for New Mexico.

Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead at their Santa Fe home. Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images.

Authorities suspect that after Arakawa’s death, Hackman may have wandered the house alone for days, unable to care for himself or even eat properly.

His autopsy report showed that his stomach was empty, suggesting he had not eaten before his death on February 18.

The 95-year-old acting legend was found wearing sunglasses, with his cane beside him, in a mud room near the kitchen, where he had apparently fallen.

Tragically, one of the couple’s dogs, Zinna, was found dead inside a crate.

However, two other dogs – a German Shepherd named Bear and another dog named Nikita – were still alive and roaming the 12-acre property.

Investigators say a dog door allowed them access to food and water, which likely saved their lives.

While the Hollywood icon’s tragic final days have been revealed, uncertainty now surrounds his $80 million estate.

Gene Hackman. Credit: Jeff Kravitz / Getty

Legal documents show that Hackman named Arakawa as his sole beneficiary when he updated his will in 2005, per BBC News.

However, with Arakawa dying before him, legal experts say the money could default to his three children – Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58 – despite them not being named in the will.

“The estate will actually be probated in accordance with intestate succession laws, and the children would be lawfully next in line to inherit,” said California attorney Tre Lovell.

Hackman had three children with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese, but their relationship was complicated.

Despite being one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, Hackman admitted that his career strained his relationship with his family.

In a 1989 interview with The New York Times, he reflected on his years of absence from his children’s lives: “You become very selfish as an actor. Even though I had a family, I took jobs that would separate us for three or four months at a time. The temptations in that, the money and recognition – it was too much for the poor boy in me.”

Gene Hackman’s children have paid tribute. Credit: Ron Galella / Getty

In another 2000 interview with The Irish Independent, he acknowledged how difficult it was for his kids to grow up in his shadow: “It’s tough being the son or daughter of a celebrity. I couldn’t always be home with them when they were growing up, and then, living in California, they’ve had my success always hanging over their heads.”

Despite their complex relationship, Hackman’s daughters and granddaughter expressed deep love for him after his passing.

“He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”