Contractor Who Found Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Dead in Their House Breaks Silence – Details

One of the people who helped lead the police to Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's bodies has since expressed remorse for not acting sooner when the couple stopped communicating with him and his contracted company regularly.

Since the unexpected deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, the personal contractor who discovered their bodies has spoken out. Jesse Kesler, who had worked as the actor's contractor and handyman for 16 years, made the gruesome discovery.

In his first interview, the 52-year-old revealed that he had seen the 95-year-old actor driving in the Santa Fe, New Mexico, area three months before his death. He recalled that Hackman, whose death was partly attributed to advanced Alzheimer's, appeared to be in good health.

As the couple's general contractor, Kesler explained that his company, Mud City Builders, "did everything" for them, including renovations, new constructions, and maintenance. He noted that he had been in near-constant communication with the couple.

His last contact with Arakawa, however, was via email in the days leading up to her suspected time of death. At first, he assumed their lack of communication was due to an accident or miscommunication.

"For the first week, I thought maybe she was mad at me. I thought I had done something wrong," Kesler explained. Since he had other projects, he wondered if he might have upset them by saying something like, "Oh yeah, we're doing this for this other person."

He elaborated, "So I thought maybe I'd got caught. I thought maybe I was in trouble." When he checked with his employee, Dwayne, he learned that he also believed Hackman and Arakawa were upset with him since he also hadn't heard from them.

After weeks without contact, Kesler grew concerned. In the last three days before the discovery, he became convinced that something was wrong. That's when his team started investigating the situation.

"It wasn't like we were just up there and stumbled across it," he explained. Kesler said it took two weeks for them to take action because they wanted to proceed properly rather than enter the couple's property unannounced.

The red tape involved in gaining entry to the home caused delays. After reaching out to law enforcement, they also attempted to contact the couple's family. However, when they realized how long it was taking to reach them, Kesler decided to act.

On February 26, 2025, he drove to the mansion's security gate and was about to enter when security guard Roland Lowe Begay arrived. Kesler informed Begay of his concerns, and since the guard had known the couple for years, he joined him.

The two men managed to only catch a glimpse of Arakawa, who was found dead on the bathroom floor. Begay, sensing something was terribly wrong after peering through the windows, made a panicked 911 call.

Later, police found Hackman's body in another room. Kesler recalled that even though the bathroom door was open from the outside, they did not enter the house. They only looked in, and it was clear that "she was gone."

"I was told to stay out of the house, and [not to] go in there. I was hysterical. I pretty much lost it," the contractor shared. The contractor also called Dwayne to come over, sharing with him that something was seriously wrong.

When Dwayne arrived, he and Kesler had to answer questions from the police. Authorities initially suspected a carbon monoxide leak as the cause of the couple's death. However, Kesler, who was familiar with the house and its systems, assured them that wasn't the case.

Even so, the police insisted on investigating their theory themselves. Kesler also recalled feeling, at one point, that investigators were looking at him as a potential suspect, though they never officially named him as one.

"It was pretty stressful," Kesler admitted. "In the beginning, I had the police going through all my stuff, my phone, my computer. Yeah, I was the guy that knew something was badly wrong and I'm the guy that found them."

Despite feeling scrutinized, he continued assisting with the investigation and was relieved when authorities ultimately determined the true causes of the couple's deaths. He’s since expressed deep regret for delaying checking on the couple's well-being in their New Mexico mansion.

The contractor admitted that he is haunted by the thought that he could have saved them if he had acted sooner. Speaking in a phone interview with a publication in the second week of March, Kesler confessed, "I wish I'd gone in quicker... I might have been able to save Gene or the dog."

With a quivering voice, he continued, "To be honest, it was awful. It was one of the worst days of my life, and I've had some bad days. To see someone like that..." he trailed off. "I was hoping for a better outcome, that maybe they were out of town and just didn't tell anyone, or they got locked in the wine cellar by accident," he added.

Kesler initially refused to comment publicly on the tragedy due to his respect for the “extremely” private couple. He explained his decision to the media with a printed statement that he placed on his door on March 1.

However, he explained to Daily Mail that the “misinformation” going around took its toll on him. He ended up seeking therapy and opened up to set the record straight.

As per previous reports, security cameras captured the actor's wife hours before her death. Her errands seemed routine — until a hospital owner noticed she missed a usual stop.

Classical pianist Arakawa was recorded running errands in Santa Fe, New Mexico, according to USA Today. On February 11, 2025, the 65-year-old visited a CVS Pharmacy, about five miles from her home, wearing a mask — likely due to an illness affecting her lungs.

That same day, she sent an email and went grocery shopping. However, an unusual omission in her routine raised concerns among those who knew her.

She never picked up a prescription order for her three dogs — Zinna, Bear, and Nikita — from Gruda Veterinary Hospital, something she had never missed before. When the order remained unclaimed after February 17, clinic staff tried calling her, but their calls went unanswered.

"She was devoted to those dogs," Robert Gruda, the hospital's owner, told USA Today. "She was consistent, predictable. We knew something was wrong when she didn't pick up the food on time."

Authorities later found Arakawa on the bathroom floor of the home she shared with her 95-year-old husband. She had succumbed to a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by rodents. After an investigation, they confirmed the couple's causes of death.

Dr. Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico, shared the official autopsy results in a press conference on March 8, 2025. Both deaths were classified as natural causes.

Dr. Jarrell explained that there were no signs of trauma on either individual and that toxicology reports ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, COVID-19, influenza, and other common respiratory viruses.

According to the report, Gene Hackman died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease listed as a significant contributing factor. His wife passed away due to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.

Investigators believe that Betsy passed away first. Surveillance footage confirmed that she returned home on February 11, at 5:15 p.m. After that, she had no further recorded activity.

Her last known communication was an email sent at 11:21 a.m. on that same day. Numerous unread emails were later found on her computer. Gene's pacemaker provided insight into his final days.

The device recorded cardiac activity on February 17, with an abnormal rhythm detected on February 18, marking the last recorded instance of heart activity. Based on this, experts concluded that Gene likely died around February 18.

Gene Hackman's Health and Final Days

The autopsy revealed that Gene suffered from severe heart disease, including prior heart attacks, extensive heart damage, and significant kidney impairment due to chronic high blood pressure.

Dr. Jarrell confirmed that he did not show signs of a recent heart attack, but he had an abnormal heart rhythm, which could have led to his death.

Additionally, advanced Alzheimer's disease was evident in his brain. When asked if Gene may have been aware of his wife's passing, Dr. Jarrell said, "It's quite possible that he was not aware that Miss Hackman was deceased."

Gene was found in the mudroom of the home, with his walking cane and sunglasses nearby. Officials were unable to determine whether he had been attempting to seek help.

The Hantavirus Explained

The Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome that Betsy's death was attributed to is a rare but often fatal disease caused by exposure to infected rodent droppings. Dr. Jarrell explained the progression of the illness.

"Clinically, hantavirus infection is characterized by flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and cough, which can sometimes progress to vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, lung failure, or cardiac failure," she stated.

Experts believe she likely developed symptoms in the days leading up to her death, experiencing respiratory distress before collapsing. The virus has a high mortality rate of 38% to 50%, and its symptoms can escalate rapidly.

When asked if their dog, Zinna, could have also been infected, Dr. Jarrell stated that while dogs are not known to get sick from hantavirus, the possibility cannot be ruled out. The dog was found deceased in a crate, and a necropsy is pending.

Authorities had earlier ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning after testing the home. A minor gas leak was detected on a kitchen stove burner, but officials confirmed it was not significant enough to contribute to their deaths.

Additionally, investigators found no security footage from inside or outside the home, as the property did not have surveillance cameras installed.

Authorities Request Privacy for the Family

Dr. Jarrell emphasized that the Office of the Medical Investigator does not typically make public statements about death investigations but felt it was necessary to ensure the dissemination of accurate information.

She concluded by requesting privacy for the family, stating, "Please respect the privacy that Mr. Gene Hackman, Miss Betsy Hackman, and their family and friends deserve. Thank you."

The deaths of the veteran actor and his wife came as a huge shock to many. A family member of Gene broke their silence, revealing surprising details about the plans made before the actor's passing — and how they changed.

Shortly after Gene's death on February 26, his nephew, Tim Hackman, revealed that the family had originally planned for Betsy to handle Gene's funeral arrangements, given their three-decade age gap.

As reported by The Daily Mail, Tim, 51, explained, "So the preparedness of it was that he would go first and that we would probably, maybe, depending on whatever it was [Betsy] had set up, would go down there and pay our condolences and everything."

With Gene and Betsy passing unexpectedly, those plans were upended. "Now with this, it significantly changes things. I have no idea what - I'm assuming one of his kids will probably take over - and [plan]. I don't know. It's still very, very early," Tim said.

He also revealed that the family first learned of the couple's deaths through Gene's daughter, Leslie Hackman, who had been in the closest contact with them. The news reached them on Wednesday night, just before it became public.

The news was shocking, as the family was unaware of any major health concerns. "I mean, he was old. I'm sure he had some [health] concerns, but nothing that was shared," Tim said.

Tim last saw his uncle 11 years ago at his father Richard's funeral. Richard was Gene's brother, who had worked as his stuntman. Despite the time apart, Tim emphasized that Gene was not estranged from the family.

Instead, Gene preferred a quiet life and rarely traveled. "He only came to California during the warm weathers, and then he just stayed in New Mexico," Tim added.

Most of Tim's communication with Gene was through Betsy, as Gene had reached an age where he was not very communicative with the family.

"I was just basically giving her updates on my kids and how they were doing and how I was doing because our major connection was the military background, but that was it really," Tim said.

Tim described Betsy as Gene's primary caregiver, crediting her with helping him live as long as he did. "She'd just always say, 'Oh, [Gene's] doing good.' I mean, he was moving around a lot for 95," he recalled.

The tragic passing of Gene and Betsy has left many in mourning, but the official findings now provide a clearer understanding of their final days.

In a previous report, it was noted how Gene Hackman's dog did more than grieve after his death. As first responders searched his home, the faithful pet led them to a heartbreaking find.

First responders in Santa Fe made a startling discovery at the home of Gene Hackman after one of his dogs persistently guided them to his location.

The Santa Fe Fire Department and the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene after receiving a call for assistance.

Upon arrival, paramedics pushed open the front door and immediately found a woman, later identified as Betsy Arakawa, lying on the bathroom floor.

Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya stated that she appeared deceased, prompting the paramedics to step back outside and call for backup, following standard protocol.

Sheriff's deputies arrived shortly after, joining the paramedics and three additional firefighters in a thorough inspection of the home.

Arakawa's body showed visible signs of decomposition, and a bottle of prescription thyroid medication, along with loose pills, was found on the bathroom counter.

As the search continued, first responders checked all rooms, closets, and hallways, searching for other individuals or potential evidence of foul play.

Thirty minutes passed with no further discoveries. However, one of the couple's dogs repeatedly approached the responders, barking and running off before returning.

Initially, they believed the dog was trying to play. "They realized (the dog) was trying to say, 'Hey, come over here! Come over here!'" Chief Moya explained.

Following the dog's persistent cues, first responders were led to a mudroom near the kitchen. There, they found Hackman's body on the floor. His sunglasses and cane were nearby, and his hands showed signs of decomposition.

A back door had been propped open, allowing the couple's dogs to move in and out of the house freely.

The timeline leading up to the discovery of Hackman and Arakawa raises several questions. Surveillance footage showed Arakawa visiting a pharmacy on February 11, the last known day she was alive. On that day, she ran errands, including grocery shopping and sending an email.

However, there was one stop she failed to make. Arakawa had placed an order for prescription dog food and medication for one of her three dogs — Zinna, Bear, and Nikita — at Gruda Veterinary Hospital. Despite being a dedicated pet owner, she never picked up the order.

Veterinary staff, who had known Arakawa for years, found this highly unusual. The following week, after February 17, they attempted to call her to remind her about the order, but their calls went unanswered.

"She was devoted to those dogs," Robert Gruda, the hospital's owner, said. "She was consistent, predictable. We knew something was wrong when she didn't pick up the food on time."

Arakawa had been a longtime client at Gruda Veterinary Hospital, where she was known for her attentiveness to her dogs' needs. She consistently brought them in for checkups and treatments, forming a close rapport with the staff.

She was particularly attached to Zinna, whose full name was Zinfandel — a reference to Hackman's favorite wine varietal. Staff recalled how she doted on her pets and took their care seriously.

"She was an excellent dog owner, excellent caretaker to those dogs," Gruda said. "She really doted on them."

One of the last times Arakawa was seen at the veterinary hospital was in late January when she came to pick up Zinna after a major surgery. Staff had instructed her to confine the dog to a crate to prevent excessive movement during recovery.

"She was friendly, dutiful," Gruda said. "That's how we make a living, with owners that care for their animals and see us consistently."

Just recently, authorities admitted to an error in the investigation, adding new questions to the case. In response, Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya put forward a theory on what may have happened to Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63.

New Mexico officials found Hackman, Arakawa, and one of their dogs dead in their home on February 26, 2025.

Detectives deemed the circumstances "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation" because the authorities discovered the front door unsecured and open.

Maintenance workers Jesse Kesler and Roland Lowe Begay, who reportedly hadn't seen the couple in about two weeks, discovered them. Kesler, their personal contractor for 16 years, made the urgent 911 call.

Inside the home, the couple was unresponsive, a distressing sight that left him shaken. When deputies arrived, they observed a healthy dog roaming the property and another near Arakawa's body. A third dog was found dead inside a bathroom closet, approximately 10 to 15 feet away from her.

However, new details later clarified the deceased animal's identity. Early reports incorrectly stated that the dog was a German Shepherd.

It was later revealed to be Zinna, a 12-year-old reddish Australian Kelpie mix that had once trained in agility for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Joey Padilla, who took in the surviving dogs at Santa Fe Tails, confirmed that Zinna was found inside a closed crate.

Meanwhile, investigators also noted a displaced heater, an open pill bottle with pills scattered nearby, and Hackman's body in a different room. As for Arakawa, she was discovered in the bathroom, lying on her right side near the countertop.

A black space heater was positioned close to her head, leading authorities to consider whether it had been knocked over during a sudden fall.

Arakawa's body showed signs of decomposition, including facial bloating and mummification in her hands and feet, indicating she had been deceased for some time.

Meanwhile, Hackman was found fully clothed in a separate room off the kitchen. His sunglasses were beside him, raising suspicions that he may have collapsed unexpectedly.

Despite initial concerns about a possible gas leak, authorities ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning following "extensive testing" at the couple's home.

The New Mexico Gas Company confirmed, "As of now, there are no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated to the pipes in and around the residence."

With gas leaks ruled out, Santa Fe Fire Chief Moya offered insight into the possible timeframe of Hackman and Arakawa's deaths.

Though he was not among the first responders, he pointed out that both bodies were in a similar state, suggesting they may have died around the same time. He also noted that the property was expansive and covered over 9,000 square feet with three separate structures.

The property's layout presented challenges, but officials confirmed that Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog were all found within the same structure. Moya shared that a paramedic returning from the scene relayed this information.

In addition, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza disclosed that Hackman's pacemaker last recorded activity on February 17, 2025. Investigators believe this was likely the day he passed, as his body was not discovered until nine days later.

Meanwhile, Moya stated that during his three years in the role, the fire department and emergency medical services had never been called to the couple's residence before this incident.

He also confirmed that their involvement in the investigation ended on February 27, 2025, with the case being supervised by the sheriff's department.

As the world comes to terms with the tragic deaths of Hackman and his wife, those who knew the couple remember them as devoted animal lovers who treated their dogs like family.

Friends described Hackman as a lifelong German Shepherd enthusiast, deeply committed to the well-being of his pets.

Their sudden deaths — along with the loss of one of their dogs — have left friends and the community stunned. Additionally, those close to them insist they would never endanger their pets.

Steff Smith, founder of the Southwest German Shepherd Society, described Hackman as a "softy" who teared up when adopting his first dog. He and Arakawa later adopted two more and remained loyal supporters of the organization.

The couple became increasingly private in recent years, retreating from social interactions. Friends who once visited regularly noticed they no longer welcomed guests. Even those closest to them had not seen the duo in years, though no one suspected anything was wrong.

Despite their seclusion, Arakawa kept in touch with a few people and exchanged emails in the weeks before her death without raising any concerns.

However, her routine calls to her 91-year-old mother in Hawaii suddenly stopped in October 2024, leaving family members worried. When authorities delivered the tragic news, her mother struggled to comprehend it.

As those close to Arakawa grappled with the loss, the film industry mourned Hackman's passing, remembering his enduring legacy.

Morgan Freeman honored his "dear friend" at the recent Oscar Awards. He reflected on his influence, saying, "He received two Oscars but more importantly he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world."

The couple's deep bond, love for their animals, and shared passions are unlikely to be forgotten. Meanwhile, Hackman's legacy will live on — both in the hearts of his loved ones and through the iconic performances that secured his place in cinematic history.