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The Unspoken Tragedy: What The Autopsy And Family Revealed About Benjamin Keough's Cause Of Death

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The official cause of death for Benjamin Keough was determined to be suicide by a self-inflicted intraoral gunshot wound. This tragic event occurred on July 12, 2020, at his home in Calabasas, California, shocking the world and adding another heartbreaking chapter to the storied history of the Presley family. As of today, December 22, 2025, the details surrounding his passing—including the immense pressure he felt living in the shadow of his grandfather, Elvis Presley—remain a poignant subject of public interest and a reminder of the silent battles many face.

The death of the 27-year-old, who bore an uncanny resemblance to "The King" himself, was a devastating blow to his mother, Lisa Marie Presley, and the entire family. The final autopsy report, released a few months after his passing, confirmed the manner and means of his death, shedding light on the difficult mental health struggles he had endured for years.

Benjamin Keough: A Brief Biography and Family Profile

Benjamin Storm Keough was a private individual thrust into the spotlight by his extraordinary lineage. His life, though short, was marked by the immense cultural weight of being the only grandson of the legendary Elvis Presley.

  • Full Name: Benjamin Storm Keough
  • Date of Birth: October 21, 1992
  • Place of Birth: Tampa, Florida, U.S.
  • Date of Death: July 12, 2020 (Aged 27)
  • Place of Death: Calabasas, California, U.S.
  • Parents: Lisa Marie Presley (Mother) and Danny Keough (Father)
  • Grandparents: Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley (Paternal); Janet Keough and Francis Keough (Maternal)
  • Siblings: Riley Keough (Older Sister); Harper and Finley Lockwood (Half-Sisters)
  • Occupation: Musician (He had signed a record deal in 2009, though no major music was released)
  • Distinguishing Feature: His striking, almost identical resemblance to his grandfather, Elvis Presley.

Benjamin was known to be incredibly close to his mother, Lisa Marie. His sister, actress Riley Keough, has often spoken about their bond and the depth of the family's grief following his sudden loss. The Keough and Presley families were united in their sorrow over the tragedy that unfolded in 2020.

The Official Autopsy Report and Cause of Death Details

The circumstances of Benjamin Keough’s death were officially investigated by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner. The final ruling was definitive, classifying his passing as a suicide.

Intraoral Gunshot Wound Confirmed

The autopsy report confirmed that Benjamin Keough died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Specifically, the wound was described as "intraoral," meaning the firearm was discharged inside the mouth. This detail was part of the public record released by authorities months after the initial incident.

Law enforcement sources indicated that the incident occurred at a joint celebration for his girlfriend, Diana Pinto, and his brother-in-law, Ben Smith-Peterson. Neighbors reported disturbances, but the full picture of his final moments remains a private tragedy for the family.

A History of Mental Health Struggles and Pressure

The tragic end was not entirely without precedent, as close family friends and reports indicated Benjamin had been struggling with his mental health for years. He reportedly had a history of depression and had been in and out of rehabilitation facilities.

A significant factor contributing to his distress was the immense and inescapable pressure of the Presley family name. The uncanny likeness to his grandfather, Elvis, amplified the public's expectations and scrutiny, a burden that proved too heavy to bear for the young man who sought a private life.

Compounding his existing struggles, the death occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Friends suggested that the isolation, the global uncertainty, and the feeling of being "locked down" may have exacerbated his depression in the months leading up to his death.

The Enduring Legacy of Grief and the Graceland Burial

Benjamin Keough’s death created a ripple effect of grief that continues to be felt by the entire family, particularly his mother, Lisa Marie Presley, and his sister, Riley Keough. The family chose a permanent and symbolic resting place for him, securing his place in rock and roll history.

Laid to Rest in the Meditation Garden

In a deeply personal and meaningful decision, Benjamin Storm Presley Keough was laid to rest at Graceland, the famed Memphis estate of his grandfather. He was interred in the Meditation Garden, a sacred area where Elvis Presley, his paternal grandparents Vernon and Gladys Presley, and his great-grandmother Minnie Mae Presley are also buried.

This burial solidified his connection to the Presley legacy, making him one of the few family members interred at the iconic landmark. The family felt a "vibe" that Benjamin no longer wanted to be in California, making the move to Graceland a final, loving act.

Lisa Marie Presley's Heartbreaking Essay

The tragedy of losing her son fundamentally changed Lisa Marie Presley. In August 2022, she penned a deeply moving essay for *People* magazine in honor of National Grief Awareness Day, just months before her own sudden death in January 2023.

In the essay, she described her grief as a "tsunami" and a "constant, relentless, and unforgiving" experience. She spoke candidly about the pain of losing a child, calling it the most horrific thing a person could endure. Her words served as a powerful testament to the bond she shared with Benjamin and the profound impact of his loss.

Following Lisa Marie’s own passing in 2023, she was buried beside her beloved son, Benjamin, and her father, Elvis, in the Meditation Garden at Graceland. This final arrangement cemented the family's tragic circle, ensuring mother and son would rest side-by-side for eternity.

The story of Benjamin Keough is a somber reminder that fame and lineage do not shield individuals from the realities of mental health struggles. His death brought renewed attention to the need for open discussion and support for those dealing with depression and the pressures of public life. The Keough and Presley families continue to honor his memory, ensuring his legacy is one of love and remembrance, not just tragedy.

benjamin keough cause of death
benjamin keough cause of death

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