AUBREY Plaza’s husband Jeff Baena was laid to rest in a memorial garden in Miami following his tragic suicide, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal.
The actress called the filmmaker’s death “an unimaginable tragedy” in a statement following his passing on January 3, 2025.
Family and friends reportedly attended a private funeral for Baena, 47, on January 10, in Miami, Florida, where he was born, according to PEOPLE.
Baena’s death certificate, exclusively obtained by The U.S. Sun, now reveals new details.
It lists his death as suicide and confirms his body was initially taken to Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary.
He died at the home he shared in Los Angeles with his spouse on January 3, with his time of death listed as “0000” hours.
Four days later, Baena’s body was transported to Florida and his final resting place was in a memorial location there, according to the filing.
His death certificate also confirmed Plaza is his surviving spouse after she previously revealed they used a quick marriage website to find an officiant in December 2021.
The White Lotus star opened up about their impromptu backyard ceremony on The Ellen DeGeneres Show before his death.
She said, “We got a little bored one night. We got married, and I’ll tell you how: 1HourMarriage.com. It’s real—look it up.
“I can’t remember a lot of it, it was fuzzy. But I’m pretty sure it’s legal.”
‘UNIMAGINABLE TRAGEDY’
The couple decided to tie the knot during the COVID lockdown on their ten-year anniversary, and the officiant showed up in a Hawaiian shirt with a briefcase.
Following his sudden death, Plaza released a statement that read, “This is an unimaginable tragedy.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
Aubrey Plaza seen for first time since husband Jeff Baena’s tragic death as she appears in Super Bowl ad
Jeff’s parents, Barbara and Scott, are also listed on his California death certificate, along with his occupation as a “film writer producer, director”.
An autopsy was performed and there were no other significant conditions that contributed to his death.
Baena’s body was found by an assistant at the house the couple bought together in 2022, at 10:25am on the day of his death, according to law enforcement.
The U.S. Sun obtained the LA County Fire Department’s radio call which stated it dispatched a unit “to a hanging” at the address in Los Feliz.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
An obituary for the filmmaker was later published in the Miami Herald, describing Baena as a “beloved son, husband, brother, uncle, and friend to many.”
It also read, “Jeff left us too soon but despite his woefully too-short life, he left us with treasured memories of a gifted filmmaker, as well as a very special person on so many different levels.”
FIRST SIGHTING
Along with Plaza and his parents, Baena also leaves behind a brother, Brad, who posted on social media that he was “broken” following his sibling’s death.
New details of Baena’s funeral come as Plaza was seen this week for the first time since her husband’s death.
Photographs showed her looking solemn as she walked her dog in the rain in a hooded jacket.
She is believed to be back at the house where he died, which is situated down a private road.
You’re Not Alone
SUICIDE doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
In the US, if you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Or in the UK the following organisations provide support:
Plaza, 40, also appeared on screen in a new Super Bowl ad last weekend showcasing her signature comedy chops as she starred in a Ritz Cracker commercial.
She was joined alongside Michael Shannon and Bad Bunny for the star-studded ad.
The “famously salty” duo – Plaza and Shannon – used their signature dark humor and deadpan comedy to bring the ad to life.
It is believed the ad was filmed before her husband’s death, but fans were thrilled to see her back on screen.
“I know this is filmed wayy before this year but it’s nice to see Aubrey,” one wrote on social media.
“Hands down my favorite Super Bowl commercial so far,” another added.
