Aubrey Plaza, Jeff Baena lived apart before his tragic death
What's the story
Actor Aubrey Plaza and her husband, director Jeff Baena, had been living apart for a few months before his untimely demise in January 2025.
This shocking revelation comes from a report filed by Philip Kim, a Los Angeles County Coroner Investigator. The couple had been experiencing marital issues since September 2024, the report added. They had been together since 2011 and got married in 2020.
Welfare check
Plaza's concern for Baena's well-being led to a welfare check
In October 2024, Plaza became worried about Baena's wellbeing after he made "concerning remarks." This led her to ask a friend to conduct a welfare check on her husband.
After this incident, Baena had been going to therapy.
An unnamed source disclosed that Baena never attempted suicide before but had a history of struggling to sleep.
Final contact
Baena's last communication with Plaza was on day he died
The report also added that Plaza last knew her husband to be alive when he sent her a text on the morning of January 3—the day he was discovered dead by his dog walker in his Los Angeles home.
His death was ruled a suicide. No substances were found in Baena's system and no note was left, the report added.
Joint statement
'Unimaginable tragedy': Plaza and Baena/Stern family statement
After Baena's death, Plaza and the Baena/Stern family released a joint statement describing it as an "unimaginable tragedy."
They thanked everyone who had extended support during this tough time and asked for privacy.
Plaza was spotted publicly for the first time weeks following Baena's death when she attended the SNL 50 celebration.
Public appearance
Plaza's tribute to Baena at 'SNL 50' celebration
At the SNL 50 celebration, Plaza wore a black blazer and a tie-dye shirt underneath, which many assumed was a tribute to her late husband.
The Parks and Recreation star had previously revealed that she and Baena wore tie-dye pajamas they made during the pandemic.
On The Drew Barrymore Show, Plaza detailed their spontaneous decision to marry, saying, "We got married on a whim. Decided at around 5:00pm and got married at 8:30pm."