Gene Hackman and wife's bodies remain unclaimed over a month after their deaths

The bodies of Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa have yet to be claimed, weeks after they were found dead in their home.

Entertainment portal TMZ reported that this was confirmed by the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico, which mentioned that the list of unclaimed decedents is being updated weekly.

According to TMZ, authorities noted that it's not uncommon for bodies to stay unclaimed for a month after their passing. "It's unclear why Gene and Betsy's bodies remain unclaimed," the outlet added, "but it's possible the family is still making funeral arrangements for finalizing plans."

Hackman and Arakawa were found lifeless in their home on Feb. 26.

First responders found the house's door unlocked and open. Pills were scattered next to Arakawa's body, which was in the bathroom.

Hackman's body, fully clothed, was found in another room. A pair of sunglasses was next to his body, indicating a sudden fall.

The Associated Press reported that according to pet care specialist Joey Padilla, the couple's dog Bear, a German shepherd, survived with another dog, Nikita. It's their kelpie mix, Zinna, who died.

The causes of Hackman and Arakawa's deaths were revealed on March 8.

Hackman's rocky relationship with his children

Hackman previously opened up about how he had a rocky relationship with his kids due to his career in showbiz.

"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," he said in an interview with The Irish Independent in 2000.

His daughters and granddaughter grieved his passing in a statement, highlighting how he "was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career" and how they "will miss him sorely, and are devastated by the loss."

This month, BBC reported that Hackman's children had not been included in his estate inheritance worth $80 million (P4.5 billion).

His released will stated that he is leaving his entire fortune to his wife, naming her as his sole beneficiary in 1995, with the last update to the will in 2005.

Since authorities said that Arakawa passed away seven days earlier than her husband, legal experts noted that Hackman's children with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese—Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58—may still be able to acquire his fortune despite 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 attorney Tre Lovell.

Nevertheless, they will still need to prove that the will is invalid because Arakawa died before Hackman.

The Hollywood Reporter, meanwhile, spoke with a source close to the Hackman family who said that the veteran actor had previously set up a trust, and that he is going to "ultimately leave everything to the trust" in terms of his assets.

A trust is a legal arrangement in which an individual or party (the trustee) manages assets for the benefit of a beneficiary.