Gene Hackman was secretly buried in tribute-free grave by estranged children he left out of his $80M will

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were laid to rest in unmarked graves in the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they spent nearly the last two decades of their lives, the Daily Mail reported on Friday, May 2.

According to the publication, the burial was overseen by the actor's three estranged children from his first marriage, Christopher Allen Hackman, 65, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, 63, and Leslie Anne Hackman, 58, all of whom had been left out of his will.

Betsy was supposed to be the sole beneficiary of Gene's $80 million fortune in case of his death. However, in the present scenario, there is a possibility of the actor's children inheriting his wealth.

Where are Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa buried?

Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 65, were buried in the Santa Fe Memorial Gardens in a private ceremony away from the prying eyes of the media. Some of the cemetery workers were also kept in the dark about the identity of the people being buried.

The three-square-foot plot for the couple looks indistinguishable from others in the absence of a headstone. The general manager of Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations, which reportedly handled the proceedings, refused to acknowledge the couple's burial at the cemetery to the Daily Mail.

However, a staff member told the publication that they were bound to secrecy till the end of April, adding, "We are very honored to have Gene Hackman buried here at our cemetery."

How did Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa die?

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead and partially mummified along with their dog Zinnia at their home on February 26. Autopsies later revealed that Arakawa died first on February 12 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which is passed on through rodent excreta.

Hackman died on February 18 of heart disease. He was possibly unaware of his wife's death on account of suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease, which, along with his kidney problem, is likely to have been a contributing factor in his death. 

Zinnia was found dead in a crate near Arakawa's body, having likely died of dehydration and starvation.