Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena had ended their marriage months before his tragic passing, according to a newly released report from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
The report, published Wednesday, revealed that Plaza and Baena had been separated since September 2024, with the actress relocating to New York. Authorities documented that Plaza confirmed the separation during a phone conversation on Jan. 3, the same day Baena was found deceased.
Months of Separation Before Tragic Death
Baena, a screenwriter and director known for films such as The Little Hours and Life After Beth, died by suicide on Jan. 3 at the age of 47. The medical examiner’s report detailed that Plaza had last communicated with her estranged husband via text message that morning.
Investigators noted that in October 2024, Baena had made troubling remarks, prompting Plaza to request a friend to check on him. The report also stated that Baena had been attending therapy but had not previously attempted suicide.
Plaza, 39, has not publicly addressed the report. When news of Baena’s death broke in January, she and his family issued a statement calling it an “unimaginable tragedy” and requested privacy.
A Private Relationship Comes to Light
The couple had been together for over a decade before secretly marrying in 2020. Plaza publicly referred to Baena as her “husband” for the first time in 2021 while promoting his indie film Spin Me Round.
Despite working together on multiple projects, including Life After Beth and The Little Hours, the pair maintained a low profile regarding their relationship. Social media posts were rare, and their personal lives remained mostly out of the public eye.
The news of their separation before Baena’s passing has left fans in shock, as their split had never been made public. Plaza, known for her roles in White Lotus and Parks and Recreation, continues to grieve privately.
Baena’s passing adds to a difficult time for those close to him, with many colleagues and industry friends expressing their sorrow. His contributions to indie cinema remain widely recognized, and he was celebrated for his unique storytelling approach.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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