SANTA FE, New Mexico – Jesse Kesler, the man who placed the urgent 911 call upon finding the bodies of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, 

Betsy Arakawa, remains shaken by the tragic discovery. 

Kesler, a longtime friend and contractor for the couple, has expressed deep sorrow over their deaths, which remain under investigation.

Heartfelt Statement from a Trusted Friend

Kesler, the owner of MudCity Builders in Santa Fe, had worked closely with Hackman and Arakawa for over 16 years. 

He shared a heartfelt statement reflecting on his relationship with the couple, expressing gratitude for the friendship and opportunities they provided.

“Gene and Betsy, thank you for the 16-plus years of opportunity, friendship, and trust,” he wrote. “Gene, thank you for lending a hand on projects over the years. I could not believe at the time I was actually working side by side with a legend. Thank you for treating my sons and employees so well and as equals. When on the job, you were just another one of the guys. Thank you for all the stories, which I will always remember and cherish forever.”

Kesler also shared kind words about Arakawa, highlighting her generosity and kindness. “Betsy, thank you for the years of friendship, generosity, opportunity, and trust. Thank you for your love for dogs, including my own. Thank you for all the advice and consoling. Thank you for being such a beautiful person.”

Ending his statement on an emotional note, Kesler wrote, “You both will always be near and dear to my heart and greatly missed. Love you both!”

The Fateful Discovery and 911 Call

Authorities revealed that Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 63, had been deceased for over a week before their bodies were found on February 26. Kesler, upon arriving at their home, immediately called 911, urging dispatchers to send help quickly.

In the distressing 911 recording, Kesler is heard frantically explaining the situation, stating that he “found two or one deceased person[s] inside a house.” His voice cracked with emotion as he pleaded, “Please send somebody really quick.”

Although Kesler has chosen not to disclose details of what he saw, the distress in his voice during the call made it clear that the scene was deeply upsetting.

Investigating the Mysterious Deaths

Officials have deemed the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa suspicious, with authorities conducting a criminal investigation. Initial reports indicate no signs of external trauma, and the case remains open pending autopsy and toxicology results.

One of the key findings in the investigation is Hackman’s pacemaker data, which recorded its last activity on February 17. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza noted that this was likely the day Hackman passed away, meaning his body remained undiscovered for nine days. Mendoza further confirmed that both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning, ruling out earlier speculation about a potential gas leak in their home.

Remembering Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa

Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, was known for his powerful performances in films such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums. He retired from acting in 2004, choosing a quiet life in Santa Fe with Arakawa. The couple had been married since 1991 and was known for their strong bond and private lifestyle.

Friends and associates have described Hackman and Arakawa as warm, kind-hearted, and generous. Kesler emphasized that both treated people “like gold” and that he never witnessed anything out of the ordinary leading up to their passing.

“They were beautiful people, kind-hearted and generous,” Kesler said. “I want people to remember them that way.”

Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigation

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths. As officials await the full autopsy and toxicology reports, many questions remain unanswered about what led to the tragic end of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors and his beloved wife.

For now, those who knew Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa best, like Jesse Kesler, hold onto their memories of the couple’s kindness, generosity, and the remarkable lives they led. Their passing has left a deep void, but their legacy will endure through the impact they had on those around them.

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