LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — An independent forensic analysis found an alleged signature on a will of late Zappos founder Tony Hsieh appears illegitimate — pointing to different pens, inks, and paper.
Since Hsieh’s death in a 2020 Connecticut house fire, several people have filed creditors’ claims and lawsuits against the estate for payment. A previous court filing estimated his wealth at $850 million. Hsieh’s estate argued he died without a will. However, in 2025, one was filed in Clark County District Court.
In April, Clark County District Court Judge Jacob Reynolds allowed forensic testing to determine more information about the ink used on the will and an alleged signature by Hsieh, which the Hsieh estate believes is fraudulent.
On Friday, attorneys for Hsieh’s estate filed a response to the corrected forensic report of special master Gerald Porter, citing findings made by Larry Stewart and Erich Speckin in their respective reports.
The experts identified four significant inconsistencies in the alleged will, raising serious concerns about the authenticity of the document.
The ink dating analysis and chemical testing were unable to determine if the signature was made in 2015. However, experts found three different inks were used, printing was not the same throughout the documents, the type of paper used was inconsistent throughout the will, and impressions made on the signature were inconsistent.
The attorneys representing the will in court initially filed objections to the recent findings of inconsistencies; one objection set for September has been vacated.
Lawyers for Hsieh’s estate have repeatedly written in court documents that Hsieh did not have the mental capacity to sign off on contracts in the months and years leading up to his death.
The 8 News Now Investigators found no evidence that any of the people who signed the alleged will exist. In addition, not one signer responded to court-issued subpoenas to appear in court. Someone mailed the will, which is dated March 2015.
In a separate Nevada Supreme Court case, attorneys for the Hsieh estate asked the justices to intervene.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Source: 8newsnow.com
