Krimsky to Administer Estate of Gathers : Probate hearing: Decision doesn’t sit well with attorney for player’s mother and brothers.

As expected, Los Angeles probate commissioner Robert J. Blaylock appointed Philadelphia attorney Martin Krimsky the special administrator in California of the estate of Hank Gathers on Wednesday.

Gathers, the former Loyola Marymount basketball star, collapsed during a game March 4 at Gersten Pavilion and died shortly thereafter of a heart disorder.

Krimsky has already been appointed administrator of the estate by a Pennsylvania court--the state in which Gathers grew up--which apparently figured high in Blaylock’s decision.

“I believe it is counterproductive to have one administrator in Pennsylvania and another in California,” Blaylock said. “Mr. Krimsky is seemingly a man of integrity, of good reputation, and I feel he is qualified to act in the state of California.”

Krimsky was named administrator in Pennsylvania at the request of Marva Crump, the mother of Gathers’ only child, 6-year old Aaron Crump, who was born out of wedlock. Crump and Aaron live in Philadelphia.

At this point, however, the estate has little value. It includes Gathers’ car and personal property. Krimsky has been named special, or temporary, administrator in anticipation that the estate will increase in value through lawsuits and possibly book and movie rights. A general, or permanent, administrator will be appointed next month.

Bruce Fagel, the Beverly Hills attorney representing Gathers’ mother and brothers, took exception to Blaylock’s decision. He petitioned that Gathers’ brother, Derrick, be named special administrator. At Fagel’s continued protestations, Blaylock threatened to have the attorney escorted out of the court by the bailiff.

“We are concerned about Pennsylvania law,” Fagel said later. “Marva Crump was able to set up the estate on the day of Hank’s funeral without notifying the family. That could not happen in California.”

The issue is pertinent because it will determine which attorney has power to negotiate rights and authorize suits filed on behalf of the estate.

“When the emotions calm down, I hope Mr. Fagel and I have the best interests of our clients in mind,” said Krimsky, who returned to Philadelphia Wednesday morning, and did not attend the hearing. “We will be working together in the near future.”

Both Krimsky and Derrick Gathers have filed petitions in Los Angeles to be appointed general administrator. Kenneth Wolf, a Los Angeles probate attorney representing Krimsky in California, said that both petitions will be heard in probate court on May 15.