Benjamin Keough, the only grandson of Elvis Presley and the son of Lisa Marie Presley, died on July 12, 2020, at his home in Calabasas, California. He was 27 years old. The official cause of death, confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner, was suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Born Benjamin Storm Keough, he lived much of his life away from the intense spotlight that defined his famous family. While his death brought a wave of public attention, many questions surrounding the circumstances and the spread of unverified rumors remain. This article presents the confirmed facts from official reports and credible sources.
What really happened to Benjamin Keough?
Key Insights
- Benjamin Keough was the only son of Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough, placing him as a direct heir to the Presley legacy.
- The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled his death a suicide, caused by a single intraoral shotgun wound.
- A widely circulated rumor that dry ice was involved in his death is completely false. This confusion likely stems from misreported details about embalming.
- He was buried at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, in the Meditation Garden next to his grandfather, Elvis Presley.
- Benjamin had a very low public profile, with a minor acting role in the short film “Rod & Barry” and an appearance in the documentary “Elvis by the Presleys.”
Benjamin Keough: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Benjamin Storm Keough |
| Born | October 21, 1992 in Tampa, Florida, USA |
| Died | July 12, 2020 in Calabasas, California, USA |
| Age at Death | 27 years old |
| Parents | Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough |
| Grandparent | Elvis Presley |
| Cause of Death | Suicide by gunshot (confirmed by coroner) |
| Funeral | Private; burial at Graceland |
| Occupation | Actor (limited roles) |
Benjamin Keough Wiki: biography, age, and early life
Benjamin Storm Keough was born on October 21, 1992, in Tampa, Florida. He was the only son of Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough. His grandparents were Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley. Following his parents’ divorce in 1994, Benjamin lived primarily with his mother.
He had a complex family tree, including several half-sisters: actress Riley Keough from his mother’s first marriage, and twin half-sisters Harper and Finley Lockwood from Lisa Marie’s marriage to Michael Lockwood. Despite his lineage, Benjamin remained largely out of the public eye, choosing a life away from Hollywood’s center stage.
Did Benjamin Keough have an acting career?
According to his IMDB profile, Benjamin’s acting credits were limited. He appeared in the 2005 documentary “Elvis by the Presleys” and had a role in the 2017 short film “Rod & Barry.” He was not widely established as a major public figure before his death.
A persistent rumor circulated online claiming that Benjamin Keough’s death involved dry ice. This theory is not supported by any official source. The confusion appears to stem from a misunderstanding of the embalming process, which can sometimes involve dry ice. The official coroner’s report confirms the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with no mention of dry ice.
Benjamin Keough funeral and burial
Following his death, a private funeral service was held for Benjamin Keough. The family did not release a specific list of attendees, respecting the privacy of the ceremony. In October 2020, he was laid to rest at Graceland, the iconic Memphis estate of his grandfather, Elvis Presley.
Benjamin is buried in the Meditation Garden, a memorial site that also holds the graves of Elvis Presley, his parents Vernon and Gladys Presley, and his grandmother Minnie Mae Presley. This marked the first burial at Graceland in decades. Graceland’s official social media stated that Benjamin Storm Keough was laid to rest there with his family.
Timeline of key events
- : Born in Tampa, Florida, to Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough.
- : Parents divorce; Benjamin lives with his mother.
- : Appears in the documentary “Elvis by the Presleys.”
- : Acts in the short film “Rod & Barry.”
- : Found dead in his Calabasas home; cause declared suicide.
- : Coroner releases initial findings.
- : BBC News reports the official coroner statement confirming the cause of death.
- : Private funeral held; burial takes place at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.
What is confirmed and what remains unclear?
Established Information
- Benjamin Keough died on July 12, 2020, aged 27.
- The cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner.
- He was the son of Lisa Marie Presley and the grandson of Elvis Presley.
- He is buried at Graceland.
Unconfirmed or Rumored
- The “dry ice” theory is not supported by any official source and is likely confusion with the embalming process.
- The exact circumstances of the hours before his death remain private.
- Details about his mental health are not publicly available beyond general family statements.
- The specific attendees at his private funeral were not released by the family.
Broader context: The Presley family legacy
Benjamin Keough’s death is a tragic chapter in the complex story of the Presley family. As the only grandson of Elvis Presley, his life was always connected to a monumental legacy of fame and music. The public’s fascination with celebrity families often amplifies private tragedies, and Benjamin’s case was no different, with unverified rumors spreading quickly on social media.
His mother, Lisa Marie Presley, passed away in January 2023 at the age of 54 due to complications from a bowel obstruction. The loss of a child and then a parent has drawn attention to the immense personal challenges faced by the Presley family, separate from their public image.
Sources and official statements
“Benjamin Keough died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Los Angeles County Coroner’s statement, as reported by BBC News (15 July 2020)
“He was the most beautiful, talented, and loving soul.”
Lisa Marie Presley’s public statement following her son’s death (2020)
For further information on the family, you can read about Lisa Marie Presley (death and biography) and the life and legacy of Elvis Presley: life and legacy.
Summary: What you need to know
Benjamin Storm Keough, the grandson of Elvis Presley, died by suicide at age 27 in July 2020. The official cause was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Rumors about dry ice are false. He was buried at Graceland. The private circumstances of his final hours and his personal struggles remain known only to his family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Benjamin Keough an actor?
Yes, he had minor acting credits, including the short film ‘Rod & Barry’ (2017) and the documentary ‘Elvis by the Presleys’ (2005).
Does Benjamin Keough have any siblings?
He had a half-sister, Riley Keough (actress), and half-sisters Harper and Finley Lockwood from Lisa Marie’s later marriages.
Why is dry ice mentioned in connection with Benjamin Keough?
The dry ice rumor appears to stem from a misunderstanding of embalming practices or from unverified social media posts. Official reports do not mention dry ice.
Sophie Kendall is Culture & Communities Editor at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering community stories, arts, culture, festivals, local events and heritage.