Jeff Baena's cause of death confirmed after filmmaker found dead aged 47 in LA home
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Film director Jeff Baena, husband of actress Aubrey Plaza, has died by suicide at the age of 47, the LA County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed.
The filmmaker was found dead at his Los Feliz home in Los Angeles on Friday morning.
The Medical Examiner's Office determined that Baena died at the property he shared with Plaza, his wife of two years.
Baena, known for directing films including Life After Beth and The Little Hours, was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services were called to the residence.
An assistant discovered Baena's body at approximately 10:25 am on Friday at the Los Feliz property he and Plaza purchased in 2022.
The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed to the Daily Mail that they responded to "the 2100 block of Fern Dale Place for a death investigation."
Jeff was found dead in his LA home he shares with wife Aubrey
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"Death was determined for an approximately 47-year old male, no transport," the Los Angeles Fire Department said in a statement.
Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department also attended the scene to investigate what they described as "a male decedent."
Baena had established himself as a notable figure in independent filmmaking after graduating from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
His directorial debut came with Life After Beth in 2014, which starred his future wife Aubrey Plaza.
His death was announced on Saturday afternoon
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He went on to direct several acclaimed films including Joshy (2016), The Little Hours (2017), Horse Girl (2020), and Spin Me Round (2022).
Earlier in his career, Baena worked as a production assistant for Robert Zemeckis and as an assistant editor for David O. Russell.
He also co-wrote the 2004 film I Heart Huckabees, demonstrating his versatility in both writing and directing.
Speaking about his transition to directing in 2014, Baena told Seensome: "It's all I ever want to do; it felt really comfortable and fun."
Baena and Plaza had been together for over a decade before marrying in 2021, having first met when Plaza auditioned for Life After Beth in 2011.
The couple went on to collaborate on several films, including Joshy and Horse Girl.
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Aubrey has yet to comment on her husband's death
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Their wedding took place at their home during the pandemic, following what Plaza described as an impromptu proposal from Baena in December 2021.
Following the news of his death, Baena's family told media outlets they are "devastated" and have requested privacy during this difficult time.
Plaza has not yet commented publicly on her husband's passing.
Anyone can call Samaritans for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org, where more information can also be found on volunteering and fundraising for the charity.
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