A new update into Gene Hackman's death brings fresh heartbreak for his surviving family members. It is still unsure where the remains of the Hollywood star, who died aged 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa will be buried.

Hackman's three children — Christopher, Elizabeth and Leslie — all live in California. However, the late actor and his wife lived in New Mexico for decades and it is believed that Gene may not have left any legally binding burial or cremation instructions. This means that the family may be delayed in laying the couple to rest where they would like due to getting tied up in red tape.

Laura Cowan, an award-winning estate planning attorney and the founder of the 2-Hour Lifestyle Lawyer, told DailyMail: "If his children wanted his remains handled in California, and he left no legally binding burial or cremation instructions, what happens next depends on a combination of state laws, family dynamic and logistics.

"If Gene's children disagree about what should happen to his body, and no written directive exists, things can get complicated. The dispute could end up in court, and a judge would decide based on state law and other factors."

The family of the late couple filed a temporary restraining order in Santa Fe court to block the release of the couple's autopsy reports and photos taken at the home by investigators.

Because of this, Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, refused to comment on whether the remains have been released to Hackman's family.

However, he did say: "Since Mr. Hackman’s wife predeceased him, his living adult children would likely be next in line. If they agree, they likely have legal authority to determine how, when, and where he is buried."

It was previously reported that Gene was thought to have died around February 18, from severe heart disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease as a 'significant' contributing factor. His wife, who's body was also found in their home, was thought to have died a week before Hackman from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome - a severe respiratory illness caused by contact with infected rodents.