Read Aubrey Plaza’s recent obituary, Jeff Baena

Plaza Aubrey and family pay tribute to Jeff Brothers.

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

While the obit honored Baena for his credits in the entertainment industry, his loved ones shared some insight into how he found his passion for a 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 between the logical and the improbable. His juxtaposition of intelligence and creativity challenged us. He embraced independent filmmaking because of his unwavering distaste for institutional guardrails on creativity,” the message continued. “Those who worked with him praise his vision, his taste, his technical ability, and his ability to combine actors into an ensemble that performs in perfect harmony. A family atmosphere always followed. He loved nature and showed that cinema-graphically in his films whenever and wherever possible.”

In addition to work, which he did a lot with Plaza, Baena also “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 meeting him as a stranger.”

Baena’s obituary revealed that he also had an affinity for the novel, The Little Princeand includes a moving quote from the beloved children’s book.

“When he was a boy, Jeff loved to read The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Ironically, the Little Prince says, ‘I don’t have much time. I have friends to find and so many things to learn.’ And so it was for Jeff,” the post read.

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

“I will always love and miss Jeff very much,” the obit concluded. “His presence, as well as his work, made the world feel better. He had much more to offer. Alas, all that is gone. Sweet dreams, our Little Prince.”

Baena died on January 3. He was 47 years old. According to medical examiner records reviewed by Us WeeklyBaena officer cause of death is listed as a suicide. After news broke of Baena’s death, a representative for Plaza said release statement on her behalf.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” the statement said Us read. “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”