Gene Hackman 911 Caller Pursued ‘Wellness Check’ Before Discovering Couple Dead
Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, had not been seen or heard from for several weeks when Jesse Kesler, the owner of MudCity Builders, decided to notify law enforcement.
On February 26, an unannounced visit to the Hackmans’ Santa Fe retreat brought Kesler face to face with a troubling silence. He had grown concerned because Betsy had been out of touch for two weeks—an alarming departure from their usual rhythm of communication every three days.
“We sought guidance from authorities regarding the best course of action. Initiating a wellness check was the first step,” Kesler recounted. “To proceed, we needed authorization from a family member.”
He continued, “Our attempts to reach any family member were fruitless. The process took longer than expected, but finally, I encountered the security guard. Together, we entered the residence.”
“We sought guidance from authorities regarding the best course of action. Initiating a wellness check was the first step.”
“No one had reached out,” said Leslie, Hackman’s daughter. On the topic of law enforcement contacting her regarding her father’s condition prior to his discovery, she added, “Not before we found him.”
“No one had reached out.”
Sadly, Gene Hackman’s life came to an end due to complications from hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with significant contributions from Alzheimer’s disease, as confirmed by New Mexico officials just a week ago. It is believed he spent approximately a week alone before passing away around February 18, the last day his pacemaker registered any activity.
Tragically, Betsy’s cause of death was identified as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a disease linked to rodent exposure and one that the New Mexico Department of Health confirmed. The autopsy concluded her death was due to natural causes, presumed to have occurred around February 11.
According to Dr. Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Investigator, hantavirus manifests through flu-like symptoms—fever, muscle aches, cough, and in more severe cases, shortness of breath and heart failure. The danger it poses often goes unrecognized in its early stages, as it can mistakenly be dismissed for common illnesses.
The following day, Dr. Jarrell conducted a comprehensive autopsy on Gene, revealing severe heart issues, including numerous surgical interventions, prior heart attacks, and significant kidney impairments due to chronic hypertension.
Both Gene and Betsy tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning, while a full toxicology analysis remains outstanding. Investigators continue their inquiries, pending reviews of cellphone data and a necropsy of their recently deceased dog, Zinna.
“They were kind-hearted individuals,” Kesler reflected, a moment of poignancy amid the unfolding tragedy, reminding us all of the fragility of life.
