Jeff Baena, the writer and director known for his work in film, tragically passed away by suicide at the age of 47. He was married to actress Aubrey Plaza.

Baena and Plaza collaborated on multiple projects over the years, such as Life After Beth (2014) and Spin Me Round (2022).

Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena in June 2017

Published on January 4, 2025 09:21AM EST

Jeff Baena, a writer and director, and the late husband of Aubrey Plaza, has passed away at 47, PEOPLE confirms.

According to law enforcement sources, an assistant found Baena's body at a residence in the Los Angeles area around 10:30 a.m. local time on Friday, January 3. He was declared dead at the scene, with sources indicating that he died by suicide.

Baena's representatives have not yet responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Baena, originally from Miami, went on to study film at New York University before moving to Los Angeles to pursue his career in entertainment.

Throughout his career, Baena racked up over a dozen directing and film credits. He co-wrote the 2004 film I Heart Huckabees, starring Jason Schwartzman, Jude Law, and Naomi Watts. He made his directorial debut with Life After Beth, a zombie comedy that starred Plaza. Later, he created the anthology series Cinema Toast, which aired on Showtime in 2021, the same year Plaza made her directorial debut.

Baena met Plaza in 2011, and the couple kept their relationship largely private. They revealed their marriage in May 2021 when Plaza referred to Baena as her “darling husband” in an Instagram post. A representative later confirmed their marriage.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988, texting "STRENGTH" to 741741, or visiting 988lifeline.org.