Benjamin Keough, the only grandson of Elvis Presley and the son of Lisa Marie Presley, died at the age of 27 in July 2020. His death, ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted shotgun wound, sent shockwaves through the music world and brought intense public focus on the private grief of the Presley family. This article examines the confirmed facts of his life, the circumstances of his death, and his lasting legacy.
What Really Happened to Benjamin Keough?
Benjamin Storm Keough
October 21, 1992, Tampa, Florida
July 12, 2020, Calabasas, California
Suicide by shotgun wound (confirmed by coroner)
- Benjamin Keough was the only son of Lisa Marie Presley and the grandson of Elvis Presley, often noted for his striking resemblance to the King of Rock and Roll.
- His death in 2020 at age 27 was ruled a suicide by self-inflicted shotgun wound, confirmed by the Los Angeles County coroner.
- He had a brief acting career, appearing in the short film ‘Rod & Barry’ (2017) and the documentary ‘Elvis by the Presleys’ (2005).
- Lisa Marie Presley was deeply affected by his death, which she later described as ‘devastating’ and which contributed to her own health struggles.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Benjamin Storm Keough |
| Date of Birth | October 21, 1992 |
| Place of Birth | Tampa, Florida, USA |
| Date of Death | July 12, 2020 |
| Age at Death | 27 years |
| Height | Approximately 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) – unofficial estimates |
| Parents | Lisa Marie Presley (mother), Danny Keough (father) |
| Siblings | Half-sisters: Riley Keough, Finley and Harper Lockwood |
| Known For | Acting roles in ‘Rod & Barry’ and ‘Elvis by the Presleys’ |
| Cause of Death | Suicide by gunshot wound (shotgun) |
Cause of Death Confirmed by Coroner
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner officially ruled Benjamin Keough’s death a suicide. Reports from the BBC and Good Morning America confirmed that the cause was a shotgun wound. The coroner’s statement, cited by the BBC, specified that “a shotgun wound was listed as suicide.” This determination was based on a full autopsy, which found the wound to be self-inflicted. Further reporting from Yahoo News provided additional detail, stating the injury was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the mouth.
Autopsy Findings and Official Reports
The official autopsy report confirmed the manner of death as suicide, a finding reported by multiple outlets at the time. However, the full document has not been released to the public, a decision attributed to privacy concerns for the family. This lack of public access has led to some speculation, but the core findings from the coroner’s office remain the only officially verified information.
Circumstances Surrounding the Incident
Benjamin Keough was found dead on July 12, 2020, at his home in Calabasas, California. The residence was part of a gated community in the Calabasas area, where he lived. No other individuals were reported to be involved, and the investigation by local authorities concluded that there was no evidence of foul play. The scene was processed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which classified the incident accordingly.
Benjamin Keough’s death was officially ruled a suicide by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner based on a self-inflicted shotgun wound. This remains the only confirmed cause of death from any official source.
Benjamin Keough: Biography and Personal Life
Early Life and Family Background
Benjamin Storm Keough was born on October 21, 1992, in Tampa, Florida, to Lisa Marie Presley and musician Danny Keough. As the grandson of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley, he was born into one of the most famous families in music history. He was Lisa Marie’s eldest son and had several siblings, including older half-sister Riley Keough and younger half-sisters Finley and Harper Lockwood from his father’s side.
Acting Career and Appearances
Benjamin had a limited but notable public career. As a child, he appeared in the documentary “Elvis by the Presleys” (2005), which offered a family perspective on his grandfather’s life. Later, he starred in the short film “Rod & Barry” (2017). His IMDb profile, an authoritative source for filmography, lists these two credits as his primary acting work. He did not pursue a high-profile career in Hollywood, choosing a more private life away from the constant spotlight.
Physical Appearance and Resemblance to Elvis
Numerous reports from USA Today and the South China Morning Post noted Benjamin Keough’s strong physical resemblance to his grandfather, Elvis Presley. This striking similarity was frequently commented upon by fans and the media alike. With dark hair and similar facial features, many saw him as a mirror image of the King of Rock and Roll in his youth. This comparison was a defining part of his public identity.
Relationship with Lisa Marie Presley
Benjamin was the only son of Lisa Marie Presley. Following his death, a representative for Lisa Marie issued a statement saying she was “heartbroken, inconsolable and beyond devastated.” The loss had a profound impact on her life. Later reporting in 2024, from NBC News and People magazine, stated that Lisa Marie kept Benjamin’s body on dry ice for two months after his death while she grieved. Her own death in January 2023 was partly attributed to the prolonged grief over Benjamin’s suicide.
The private nature of the family’s mourning, including the decision not to publicly disclose funeral details or release the full autopsy, is a reflection of their desire for privacy during an intensely public tragedy. Media coverage often focused on the parallel between Benjamin’s death at 27 and the untimely deaths of other young stars.
Benjamin Keough’s Funeral and Legacy
Funeral Service and Burial
In October 2020, reports from USA Today and Today.com indicated that Benjamin Keough was laid to rest at Graceland’s Meditation Garden. This placed him alongside his grandfather, Elvis Presley, and other family members. The family kept the specifics of the funeral service private, with no official public announcement confirming the exact date or the nature of the ceremony. This decision limited public speculation but also left some details uncertain.
Public Tributes and Family Statements
Beyond his mother’s initial statement, Benjamin’s sister, actress Riley Keough, later paid tribute to him publicly. The family generally maintained a low profile regarding public statements, focusing on their private grief. The CNN report at
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Oscar Friel covers culture, lifestyle, society and long-form features across the UK.