Director Jeff Baena sent estranged wife Aubrey Plaza text three hours before his death
Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of suicide.
The late director Jeff Baena and his estranged wife, actress Aubrey Plaza, were communicating before his death.
According to E! News, Plaza, 40, told authorities that she had received a text from Baena, 47, three hours before he was found dead by suicide in his Los Angeles home last January. They also spoke over the phone the night before the incident.
Plaza and Baena quietly separated in September 2024, per the media outlet. They got married in 2021 after 10 years of dating.
Another report from E! News said they were "experiencing recent marital difficulties."
Plaza said Baena "made concerning remarks" a month after their separation, prompting her to ask a friend to perform a welfare check on him.
She also moved to New York while Baena began seeking therapy.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, in its report, said Baena was found dead by his dog walker, who entered his home after hearing loud music coming from inside, which she found "unusual."
She then discovered his body upon entering.
Baena graduated with a degree in film from New York University. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue directing.
He was known for writing and directing Life After Beth (2014), Joshy (2016), The Little Hours (2017), Horse Girl (2020), and Spin Me Round (2022).
Baena also co-wrote the 2004 black comedy film I Heart Huckabees, which starred Dustin Hoffman, Jason Schwartzman, and Lily Tomlin.
If you think you, your friend, or your family member is considering self-harm or suicide, you may call the National Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1553 (Luzon-wide, landline toll-free), 0966-351-4518 or 0917-899-USAP (8727) for Globe/TM users, or 0908-639-2672 for Smart users.
