A Heartfelt Reflection on Gene Hackman and Betsy Hackman’s Final Days

A Heartfelt Reflection on Gene Hackman and Betsy Hackman’s Final Days

Jesse Kesler, the owner of MudCity Builders, shares a profound connection to the late actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman. Having worked closely with the couple for over 15 years, Kesler recalls cherished moments and memories that resonate deeply with him.

A Disturbing Silence

Kesler noted his concern when he received an unusual email from Betsy about three weeks prior to the couple’s tragic discovery in their Santa Fe home. His unease grew when she failed to respond to his query—a situation he described as “very strange.”

“The last email I had with her, I asked a question and I never got a reply to that question, which was very strange,” Kesler reflected. “At that time, I knew something was wrong. I thought perhaps I was in trouble, and as time passed, it became clear to me that something was indeed wrong.”

Rising Alarm

During the subsequent weeks, as silence continued, Kesler’s apprehension escalated. He reached out to mutual acquaintances inquiring about the couple’s well-being and learned that nobody had heard from them. This absence was unlike the Hackmans, who were known for their transparency and sociability.

“Two and a half weeks had passed,” Kesler said. “It was uncharacteristic of them to disappear like this, and I began to feel compelled to take action.”

Initiating a Wellness Check

In light of his growing worry, Kesler took steps to initiate a wellness check. He sought advice from a law enforcement friend and realized that he needed to connect with family members of the couple. However, he faced challenges since he did not know Gene’s children and only had the contact details for Betsy’s mother’s assistant.

On February 26, Kesler made an unplanned visit to the couple’s home in Santa Fe. He felt increasingly uneasy as he approached the property.

A Troubling Encounter

Upon arrival, Kesler encountered a pest control worker exiting the property. Their conversation raised further alarms as the worker mentioned that the dogs had been left outside—a situation that had never happened before.

“The dogs were out, and that was unusual,” said Kesler, recounting the moment. “At that instant, my heart sunk. I knew something was really, really wrong.”

The Search for Answers

When Kesler later arrived at the sheriff’s department to provide his account, he faced a stressful situation. The gravity of finding his longtime friends—in a state of tragedy—led him to suspect foul play.

“It was gut-wrenching to know I had found my best clients, who were friends, dead. At that moment, I wondered if the scenario suggested something sinister had occurred.”

Amid the intense scrutiny, law enforcement examined his digital devices as part of the investigation. “I understood their need to investigate thoroughly, but it was an incredibly stressful process,” he shared.

Devastating Discoveries

The autopsies revealed heartbreaking details about the couple’s final days. Gene suffered from hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, compounded by Alzheimer’s, leading to his demise around February 18. Reports indicated that he may have been alone for about a week before his passing.

Betsy, on the other hand, tragically died after contracting hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a serious condition known to be transmitted through rodent droppings. Her death was officially ruled natural, with the date of death approximated around February 11.

The Emotional Impact

Kesler expressed deep disappointment upon realizing he would not have the opportunity to say a final goodbye and learned about their funeral through news outlets. “It was hurtful because I genuinely cared for these individuals. I wanted to express my gratitude and find closure,” he stated, highlighting the close relationships shared among those who knew the couple.

Preserving Their Legacy

To cope with the sorrow and honor the memory of Gene and Betsy, Kesler has plans to write a book. He wants to preserve the cherished memories that showcase their integrity and warmth.

“I simply want people to understand the goodness in their hearts,” Kesler insisted. “There were many misconceptions surrounding them. People deserve to know the truth. They need to have access to the facts and also hear the uplifting stories from my experiences with them.”

Treasured Memories

In his reflective pursuit, Kesler aims to gather narratives encapsulating the joy and positivity the Hackmans brought into his life. “During those 16 years, I accumulated countless wonderful stories that testify to their good character,” he said.

With a heartfelt demeanor, he concluded, “It was truly a privilege to work for them. Losing them has left a profound impact on me.”