Benjamin Keough's Suicide: The Heartbreaking Story & Aftermath

02 May, 2025

Can the weight of a legacy become a crushing burden, even for those born into privilege? The untimely death of Benjamin Keough, the grandson of Elvis Presley, at the young age of 27, tragically illustrates the devastating impact of such a burden.

The story of Benjamin Keough is a heartbreaking one, a narrative woven with the threads of immense fame, family expectations, and personal struggles. Born into the Presley dynasty, he carried the weight of a legendary name from the moment he entered the world. His lineage connected him to the King of Rock and Roll, a figure who continues to captivate audiences and shape popular culture. However, as the details of his life and death have emerged, a complex picture of a young man grappling with the pressures of his heritage, battling inner demons, and ultimately succumbing to despair has come into focus. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Benjamin Keough died by suicide on July 12, 2020, at his mother's home in Calabasas, California, ending a life that, while brief, was filled with both promise and pain.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Benjamin Storm Keough
Date of Birth	October 21, 1992
Place of Birth	Tampa, Florida, USA
Date of Death	July 12, 2020 (Suicide)
Place of Death	Calabasas, California, USA
Age at Death	27
Parents	Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough
Grandfather	Elvis Presley
Siblings	Riley Keough (sister)
Known For	Being the grandson of Elvis Presley, and his acting roles in "Rod & Barry" (2017) and "Elvis by the Presleys" (2005).
Cause of Death	Suicide
Burial	Graceland (first person buried there since 1980)
Reference	IMDb

The news of Benjamins death sent shockwaves through the Presley family and their devoted fanbase. Lisa Marie Presley, his mother, was understandably devastated by the loss of her only son. In a statement released by her manager, the depth of her grief was palpable. The tragedy was compounded by the publics fascination with the Presley family, meaning every detail, every emotion, was dissected and analyzed in the media. The weight of expectation and the unrelenting spotlight that followed the Presley name clearly took its toll, as evidenced by Keough's struggles with drugs, alcohol, and depression. These battles are not isolated incidents, but rather indicative of the challenges of dealing with the pressures of living with such a famous family.

The circumstances surrounding Benjamin's death offer a glimpse into the profound sorrow that followed. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirmed that the cause of death was suicide, a heartbreaking reality that painted a picture of the internal struggles that plagued him. The reports indicate he used a firearm at his mother's home in Calabasas, California. It was reported that he was found by law enforcement.

The legacy of Elvis Presley cast a long shadow, a shadow that proved difficult for Benjamin to escape. There were expectations for him to follow in his grandfather's footsteps, expectations that, combined with his personal challenges, may have been too much to bear. He, like his grandfather, faced the pressures of fame and the scrutiny that came with it. As a result, Benjamin Keough's life was a constant dance between his own identity and the weight of his family's past.

Further details revealed the depth of Lisa Marie Presley's despair. In her memoir, "From Here to the Great Unknown," it was revealed that she kept Benjamin's body on dry ice for two months after his passing. This was a testament to the depth of her love, as she could not bear to let go. The memoir also detailed the struggles of Lisa Marie Presley, who, as Benjamin Keough was just 16 years old, began abusing opioids, as revealed in the foreword to a 2019 book. Riley Keough, Benjamin's sister, later had to tell her mother about her brother's suicide, a moment that further underscores the family's anguish and pain.

His connection to Graceland also signifies the deep connection to the Presley legacy. As the son of Lisa Marie Presley, he had a direct link to the King. After his death, he was buried at Graceland, making him the first person to be buried there since 1980. The burial at Graceland further cemented his place within the family history, making the tragedy even more poignant.

Friends of Benjamin revealed that he struggled with depression, a battle that contributed to his tragic end. His struggles, though not fully understood by the public, provided an intimate look at the internal battles that so many people silently face. These details, though painful, serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding.

His life, cut short at 27, leaves a lasting impact. The memory of Benjamin Keough serves as a reminder of the complexities of human experience and the challenges faced by those living in the public eye. His story is a call to remember the human cost of fame, and the importance of seeking help in the face of personal challenges. Benjamin's story emphasizes the importance of acknowledging mental health and the need for providing support for those who struggle. His death serves as a reminder that even those born into privilege are vulnerable to the same challenges as the rest of us, highlighting that mental health and personal well-being are the most important aspects of ones life.

In his short life, Benjamin Keough faced an uphill battle. He carried the weight of his family's legacy. His struggles with drugs, alcohol, and depression are all too common in today's world. The tragedy of his passing underscores the importance of compassion and a commitment to support those who struggle. Benjamin's legacy should serve as a reminder that behind every name, every title, there is a human being who deserves understanding, support, and compassion.

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