Emotional 911 Caller Reveals Insights into Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Tragic Deaths

Emotional 911 Caller Reveals Insights into Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Tragic Deaths

Jesse Kesler, the individual who placed the urgent 911 call after discovering the lifeless bodies of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, remains deeply affected by the pair’s tragic passing. His heartfelt reflections offer a glimpse into the couple’s character and the mystery surrounding their deaths.

Known as the owner of MudCity Builders in Santa Fe, Kesler had a long-standing relationship with Hackman and Arakawa, having served as their personal contractor for over 16 years. On February 26, when he made the grim discovery at their home, he was struck by heartbreak and shock. While he refrained from detailing what he encountered, Kesler expressed his devastation to Fox News Digital.

Authorities have suggested that the couple, aged 95 and 63 respectively, had been deceased for more than a week; however, the official causes of death remain undetermined. The investigation continues as details about their final days emerge.

A Frantic 911 Call

Audio recordings of Kesler’s 911 call were obtained by Fox News Channel. In the call, a sense of urgency resonated through his pleas for immediate police assistance at the New Mexico residence. He was heard relaying the alarming news of finding either one or two deceased individuals within the house.

“Please send somebody really quick,” he urged, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Reflecting on his experiences with the couple, Kesler described Hackman and Arakawa as individuals who treated people with utmost kindness. He recalled that he, along with his son and team, held only fond memories of their interactions with the beloved couple.

Remembering a Kind-hearted Couple

Kesler emphasized the importance of preserving Hackman and Arakawa’s memory as kind-hearted and charitable individuals. He had not seen anything amiss leading up to their tragic deaths and was determined that others would remember them for their generous nature.

A criminal investigation was launched by New Mexico authorities shortly after their deaths were ruled suspicious. The investigation expanded to include the unusual circumstances surrounding the death of one of their dogs. Officials reported that neither Hackman nor Arakawa presented any visible external trauma, and the case remains open pending results from autopsy and toxicology tests.

The couple’s bodies tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning. Reports revealed that it’s likely Hackman perished approximately nine days prior to the discovery made by authorities. This timeline raises further questions about the events leading to their deaths.

New Developments in the Investigation

During a news conference held on Friday, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the last recorded event from Hackman’s pacemaker occurred on February 17. This date, occurring nine days before he was found, led authorities to speculate that it may have marked his passing.

“According to the pathologist, I think that is a very good assumption that that was his last day of life,” Mendoza stated. Additionally, the authorities confirmed after consulting with the medical examiner that both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide exposure.

Even though the manner and cause of death have yet to be identified, authorities are working diligently to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking case, striving to provide clarity for the public and the grieving community.

Inside a Distressing Scene

In the audio of the 911 call, Kesler’s emotional state is apparent as he is heard crying and expressing despair. His repeated utterances of “Damn” illustrate the depth of his grief as he communicated with the dispatcher.

“The house is closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in,” he stated, giving a vivid depiction of the distressing scene outside. He could see through a window that Arakawa was lying on the floor, which instilled in him a heightened sense of urgency.

He insisted that the couple was not “awake” or “alert” when he made the call. “No, dude, they’re not moving! Just send somebody out here really quick!” he urged, showcasing his frantic desperation.

A Community in Mourning

The tragic passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa has sent shockwaves through the community. Friends, colleagues, and fans alike are mourning the loss of a couple known for their warmth and generosity.

As the investigation develops, authorities are committed to uncovering the truth behind this alarming case. The public remains hopeful that answers will soon surface, shedding light on the lives and deaths of these two cherished individuals.

As more information comes forward, the legacy of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa will continue to resonate. Their kindness and generosity will not be forgotten, as they are remembered by those whose lives they have touched.

Fox News Digital reporters contributed to this story.