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The modest final resting place of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife presents a poignant scene. Gene, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered deceased in February last year. Now, slightly more than twelve months on, the understated plot where the couple lie buried is identified solely by a single conch shell. The site has yet to receive a memorial plaque honouring the pair. And there appears to have been no flowers left to commemorate the first anniversary of their deaths. The couple are interred in the unmarked grave beneath a tree at Rivera Funerals, Cremations and Memorial Garden in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The deaths of Gene and Betsy shocked the entertainment industry when their lifeless bodies were found at the residence they'd occupied for 35 years on February 26, 2025. The couple's remains were partially mummified. Betsy had died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome - a rare disease spread by rats. Her husband Gene died approximately one week afterwards.

The actor's death was attributed to heart disease, with his progressive Alzheimer's disease playing a contributory role.

After their deaths, concerns emerged regarding Gene's substantial £62 million fortune.

During his first marriage to Faye Maltese, The Poseidon Adventure icon fathered three children: Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58.

Whilst it was initially assumed by some that his vast wealth would automatically be passed on to them, this wasn't exactly the case. Instead, the double Oscar-winner's will left out his three adult offspring.

Instead, he left his entire estate to Betsy. However, as Betsy predeceased her husband, it's believed that the three Hackman children could potentially inherit their father's fortune.

It remains uncertain whether an alternative beneficiary is named in his will.

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Page Six recently revealed that Gene's Last Will and Testament was dated 7 June 2005. It reportedly does not appoint any of his three children to serve as a personal representative.

Instead, it's reported to stipulate that two trusts manage his "final directions": The Gene Hackman Living Trust and the Gene Hackman Revocable Trust. In March of the previous year, solicitor Gregory W. MacKenzie filed an appearance on behalf of Christopher, Elizabeth and Leslie.

None of the three have so far chosen to mark their father's grave but court records show the trio have filed for "interested party" status in the probate case concerning their dad's will and estimated $90 million fortune, according to the Daily Mail.

Whilst Gene cherished his privacy, he also previously spoke frankly about how his family life was compromised due to his dazzling career. He confessed to the New York Times in 1989: "You become very selfish as an actor.

"Even though I had a family, I accepted roles that would keep us apart for three or four months at a stretch. The allure of the money and recognition was too much for the poor boy in me to resist."