Three months after filmmaker Jeff Baena’s death at 47 years old, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Department has made public some new information from its investigation.
An investigative summary report from the medical examiner obtained Wednesday by USA TODAY stated that Aubrey Plaza and Baena had been separated since September, per a witness statement Plaza provided to police.
People was first to report the news.
Baena was pronounced dead at his LA residence at around 10:39 a.m. on Jan. 3, according to the medical examiner’s case on his death. The cause of death was determined to be suicide, and no foul play was suspected.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” a statement on behalf of Plaza and the Baena family, issued Jan. 6, read. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
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The couple started dating in 2010 and were quietly married in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Baena and Plaza have collaborated on numerous projects, including the 2014 dark comedy “Life After Beth,” which Baena wrote and directed. The film was nominated for the grand jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival. The couple most recently worked together on the 2022 romantic comedy “Spin Me Round,” which featured Plaza alongside stars Alison Brie, Jake Picking and Stella Chesnut.
Baena is survived by Plaza, mother Barbara Stern and stepfather Roger Stern, father Scott Baena and stepmother Michele Baena, brother Brad Baena and stepsiblings Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call 988 any time day or night, or chat online. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
Contributing: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY