Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena's ongoing marital struggles ended in tragedy as Baena died by suicide on January 3, 2025, just months after their separation. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's report, released on March 19, 2025, provided insight into the circumstances leading to this heartbreaking outcome, revealing that the couple had separated in September 2024 when Plaza moved to New York.
According to the report, Baena had reached out to his wife the evening before his death, indicating that he was still in contact with Plaza despite the challenges they faced. Just hours before his tragic passing, he sent her a text message at 10:36 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, confirming his state of being at that moment.
In October 2024, Plaza called for a welfare check on Baena after he made concerning remarks during their communications. It later emerged that Baena began attending therapy following this incident, indicating that he was seeking help amid his struggles. The report noted that, at the time of his death, Baena had no prior suicide attempts but had been experiencing significant difficulty sleeping.
Baena was 47 when he was found in his home in Los Angeles by a dog walker who discovered his body inside the residence after noticing unusual loud music coming from the house. Authorities reported that no suicide note was found, nor were there any drugs or alcohol in Baena’s system at the time of his death.
In the wake of this devastating news, Plaza and Baena’s family issued a statement reflecting their grief: "This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time." This statement underscores the profound sense of loss felt by those closest to Baena.
Having navigated more than a decade of love, the couple shared a unique bond that often crossed professional and personal lines. After dating since 2011, Plaza and Baena secretly wed in 2021, solidifying their partnership. Their relationship flourished in the film industry, collaborating on multiple projects, including "Life After Beth" and "The Little Hours." Their final film together, "Spin Me Round," was released shortly before Baena's death.
Reflecting on their whimsical commitment, Plaza had shared, "The marriage was just like a joke that honestly went too far… We got married on a whim, literally decided at around 5 p.m. and got married at 8:30," revealing the spontaneity of their relationship. One of the most cherished memories for them was wearing tie-dye pajamas for their wedding, a shared tradition that took on new meaning for Plaza after Baena's death.
In a bittersweet tribute to her late husband, Plaza wore a tie-dye shirt during her first public appearance following his passing at the "Saturday Night Live" 50th anniversary special on February 16, 2025, symbolizing their shared journey throughout their years together.
The outpouring of grief from friends and colleagues speaks volumes about Baena's impact in his industry. Fellow stars such as Molly Shannon, Alison Brie, and Jake Johnson publicly mourned his loss, highlighting the connections he fostered in both his personal and professional life.
As the world moves forward, Plaza's experience emphasizes the importance of open dialogues regarding mental health, particularly when navigating personal crises. Baena's passing serves as a poignant reminder of the battles faced by many individuals, including those in the public eye who appear unaffected. It urges us all to advocate for mental health awareness and reduction of stigma, ensuring that help is accessible and conversations are facilitated without fear.
The loss of Jeff Baena resonates deeply, not just as a shocking moment in Hollywood but as a broader message about the struggles that can remain hidden beneath the surface. Plaza's journey ahead will undoubtedly carry the weight of her loss, but so too will it embody the love and artistic spirit shared between her and Baena.
