Read Aubrey Plaza’s Late Husband Jeff Baena’s Obituary

Aubrey Plaza and families pay their respects Jeff Brothers.

“It is with deep sadness and grief that we announce the sudden and unexpected death of Jeff Baena, a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle and friend to many,” Baena’s obituary, which was published in Miami Heraldread. “Jeff left us far too soon, but despite his woefully short life, he left us with precious memories of a gifted director as well as a very special person on so many different levels.”

While the obit paid tribute to Baena for his contributions to the entertainment industry, his loved ones shared some insight into how he found his passion for the film he “fell in love with” when he was “11 years old watching Clockwork orange and Fellini’s 8 1/2.”

“Each of his films reflects a carefully crafted balance of the logical and the improbable. His confrontation of intellect and creativity challenged us. He embraced independent filmmaking because of his incorrigible distaste for institutional barriers to creativity,” the message continued. “Those who have worked with him praise his vision, taste, technical competence and ability to combine actors into an ensemble that performs in perfect harmony. There was always a family atmosphere. He loved nature and highlighted it cinematically in his films whenever and wherever possible.”

In addition to work, which he did a lot with Plaza, Baena “loved the company of his friends.”

“Jeff was a true relationship builder with a gift for bringing people together on and off the film set,” the obit said. “His magic sauce ensured that everyone had fun and no one ever left his gatherings as a stranger.”

Baen’s obituary also revealed that he too had an affinity for the novel, The little princeand included a touching quote from a favorite children’s book.

“When he was a boy, Jeff loved to read The little prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Ironically, in it the Little Prince exclaims, ‘I don’t have much time. I have friends to find and so many things to learn.’ It was the same for Jeff,” the post reads.

Baena is survived by Plaza, his parents, siblings, nephews and nieces.

“We will always love Jeff and miss him dearly,” the obit concluded. “His presence, as well as his work, made the world feel better. He had so much more to offer. Alas, it’s all gone. Sweet dreams, our Little Prince.”

Baena died January 3. He was 47 years old. According to the medical examiner’s records he reviewed Us Weeklyan official of Baena cause of death it is being treated as a suicide. After news broke of Baena’s death, Plaza’s rep published a statement in her name.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” reads the statement for Our to read. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us. Please respect our privacy during this time.”