( CNN ) A caretaker for baseball legend Ernie Banks coerced him into signing a new will before his death , leaving all his assets to her , the Hall of Famer 's family says . The renowned Chicago Cub died of a heart attack last month at age 83 . His death certificate cites dementia as a significant contributing factor to his death , CNN affiliate WGN reported . Banks family attorney Mark Bogen said Banks ' agent , Regina Rice , had the octogenarian sign a new will three months before his death . `` Our family thought that Ms. Rice was helping our father and watching over him while he was in Chicago , '' son Joey Banks said in a statement from the attorney . `` However , we have learned that she had him sign a power of attorney , a health care directive and a will giving everything to Ms . Rice . '' Another son , Jerry Banks , said he believes Rice coerced his father when he was ill . He said that before his father 's sudden death , `` we spoke often to Ms. Rice because she made it difficult for us to speak directly to him . `` However , she purposefully never told us that while our father was ill , he signed documents giving her total control , '' Jerry Banks said . Bogan said the family did n't know of the new will until after Banks ' funeral . `` We will vigorously fight and contest this will , '' the family attorney said . Rice issued her own statement , saying she was carrying out Banks ' wishes . `` Ernie was an intricate part of my life for over twelve ( 12 ) years . Ernie trusted me to carry out his wishes , some during his lifetime and others after his life . He made me promise to adhere to his wishes and I am determined to do just that , '' Rice said . `` It is understandable that Ernie 's family is concerned at this very sad time . However , the record and those closest to Ernie will dispel any iota of concern regarding my relationship with Ernie and his trust in me to carrying out his wishes , '' she said . `` I will not participate in any verbal jousting with Ernie 's family or do anything to bring negativity to the legacy of such a dear and honorable and extremely positive man . Ernie would have hated that . '' Banks started his career in the Negro Leagues , making $ 7 a day . He later joined the big leagues and became `` one of the greatest players of all time , '' Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said . `` Words can not express how important Ernie Banks will always be to the Chicago Cubs , the city of Chicago and Major League Baseball , '' Ricketts said after Banks ' death . `` He was a pioneer in the major leagues . And more importantly , he was the warmest and most sincere person I 've ever known . '' Six years after his last at-bat , Banks was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977 . And in 2013 , Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- the nation 's highest civilian honor . CNN 's Greg Botelho contributed to this report .
Ernie Banks ' caretaker did n't tell the family she had him sign a new will , his sons say . Comment: