On July 12, Lisa Marie Presley‘s only son, Benjamin Keough, passed away at the age of 27.
TMZ was the first to report the news of Benjamin’s death, stating, “Ben appears to have died Sunday in Calabasas from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.” TMZ later updated its story to state that the L.A. County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office classified Benjamin’s manner of death a suicide.
Lisa Marie’s rep, Roger Widynowski, issued a statement on her behalf addressing Benjamin’s death. The statement was quoted by People:
“She is completely heartbroken, inconsolable and beyond devastated but trying to stay strong for her 11-year-old twins and her oldest daughter Riley,” Roger said. “She adored that boy. He was the love of her life.”
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Other members of the Presley family, including Benjamin’s grandmother, Priscilla, and his elder sister, 31-year-old actress Riley Keough, remained silent in the immediate aftermath of his death.
A week after Benjamin passed away, Riley addressed his death for the first time. She posted a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram along with a slideshow of photos.
“Mornings are the hardest,” Riley said about her grief. “I forget you’re gone. I can’t cry because of the fear that I will never stop.”
She went on to list everything Benjamin was to her, calling him her “Protector” and “Twin soul” among other things.
“I can’t believe you’ve left me,” Riley wrote at the end of her post. “Not you sweet Ben Ben. Anyone but you. I guess this is true heartbreak. I hope we meet again.”
You can read Riley’s full tribute to Benjamin below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCydlDNllTw/
See Benjamin and Riley in happier times with their mother, grandmother, and twin little sisters at Elvis’ 80th birthday party in 2015 by watching the video below.
RELATED: RILEY KEOUGH FINALLY REVEALS HER DAUGHTER’S NAME
It’s clear that Benjamin was dearly loved, and it’s clear that he will be dearly missed.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.