Priscilla Presley recently disclosed the heartbreaking manner in which Lisa Marie learned of her son’s tragic suicide. Benjamin, Lisa Marie’s son with her former spouse Danny Keough, tragically passed away at the age of 27 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities discovered him at their residence in Calabasas, California, on July 12, 2020, leaving the family in deep sorrow.
After Benjamin’s untimely death, Lisa Marie made a difficult decision to keep his body at their home using dry ice due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation. This choice was driven by her desire to maintain control and prevent any unauthorized access to his remains. Priscilla shared these details in her revealing memoir titled “Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis,” shedding light on the family’s ordeal.
The tragic incident unfolded during a gathering at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where Benjamin and his girlfriend Diana Pinto were celebrating Diana’s birthday. Conflicting reports arose about the events leading to Benjamin’s passing, with some indicating a dispute between Benjamin and Diana before the fatal shot was fired.
Riley, Benjamin’s sister, was the first family member informed of the tragedy by Lisa’s assistant, who had been present at the gathering. The assistant then urgently contacted Lisa, Danny, and Priscilla to relay the devastating news. The family’s grief was compounded by the public scrutiny associated with their celebrity status, as Priscilla highlighted the challenges of sharing personal grief with the world.
Despite the heartache, Lisa Marie demonstrated immense strength for her children, including her twins and daughter Riley. She expressed deep affection for Benjamin, referring to him as the love of her life. In the aftermath of Benjamin’s passing, Lisa Marie faced the difficult task of deciding on his final resting place, contemplating between their Graceland estate and Hawaii.
Lisa Marie’s poignant reflections on caring for Benjamin’s remains and the prolonged grieving process were shared in her posthumously released memoir. The narrative portrayed a mother’s unwavering devotion to her son, reflecting on the unique and challenging journey of coming to terms with his loss.
For individuals struggling with emotional distress, the Samaritans offer a free helpline operating 24/7. Support can be accessed by calling 116 123, emailing jo@samaritans.org, or visiting their local branch for assistance.