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5 Tragic Truths About Benjamin Storm Keough: The Elvis Grandson Who Lived In The King's Shadow

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As of December 21, 2025, the tragic story of Benjamin Storm Keough remains one of the most heartbreaking chapters in the history of the legendary Presley family. The only son of Lisa Marie Presley and the only grandson of the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll,' Elvis Presley, Benjamin's life was defined by both immense privilege and an almost unbearable burden: his striking, near-identical resemblance to his iconic grandfather. His sudden death by suicide in 2020 at the age of 27 sent shockwaves across the globe, leaving behind a legacy of grief and an enduring curiosity about the private man behind the famous name. This deep dive explores the little-known facts about Benjamin's life, the intense pressure he faced, and the devastating impact his passing had on his mother, Lisa Marie Presley, and his sister, actress Riley Keough, who continue to mourn the loss of their beloved "twin soul."

The Complete Biography of Benjamin Storm Keough

Benjamin Storm Keough was born into one of the most famous and scrutinized families in American history. While he largely avoided the spotlight, his lineage and his physical appearance made a truly private life impossible. Here is a factual overview of his short life:

  • Full Name: Benjamin Storm Presley Keough (also known as Ben Smith).
  • Date of Birth: October 21, 1992.
  • Place of Birth: Tampa, Florida.
  • Date of Death: July 12, 2020.
  • Age at Death: 27.
  • Cause of Death: Suicide by self-inflicted intraoral shotgun wound.
  • Mother: Lisa Marie Presley (singer-songwriter, daughter of Elvis Presley).
  • Father: Danny Keough (musician, Lisa Marie's first husband).
  • Sister: Riley Keough (actress, Golden Globe nominee).
  • Half-Sisters: Finley Aaron Love Lockwood and Harper Vivienne Ann Lockwood (from Lisa Marie's marriage to Michael Lockwood).
  • Grandparents: Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley.
  • Career: Benjamin was a musician and had reportedly signed a five-album record deal with Universal in 2009, though no major music was ultimately released. He also worked on a brief project at the famous "The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf" in Los Angeles.
  • Burial Location: The Meditation Garden at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, alongside his grandfather, Elvis Presley, and his mother, Lisa Marie Presley.

The Unbearable Weight of the Presley Legacy

For Benjamin Keough, the Presley family name was less a golden ticket and more a gilded cage. He was constantly compared to his grandfather, Elvis Presley, a cultural phenomenon whose shadow stretched decades past his own death. This intense, unavoidable public scrutiny and the constant comparison contributed significantly to the pressure he felt throughout his life.

The Striking Resemblance to Elvis Presley:

Benjamin’s physical resemblance to Elvis was undeniable and frequently noted by the media and fans alike. His mother, Lisa Marie, once commented on the "uncanny" similarity, stating that it was "just chilling" to witness. This likeness, particularly in his jawline, eyes, and dark hair, meant that Benjamin could never truly blend into the background. Every public appearance, however rare, was met with a flurry of commentary about the 'King's' genetic legacy living on.

This pressure to live up to the monumental legacy of the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll'—a man he never met—was a heavy burden. While Benjamin pursued music, his attempts to carve out his own artistic path were often overshadowed by the question of whether he would be the next Elvis. He struggled with mental health issues, a common thread in the Presley family history, and the constant spotlight only exacerbated his internal battle.

A Bond of 'Twin Souls': The Relationship with Riley Keough

One of the most profound relationships in Benjamin's life was with his older sister, actress Riley Keough. The siblings were incredibly close, with Riley often referring to Benjamin as her "twin soul" and her "best friend." Their bond was a source of comfort and stability amid the chaos and high-profile nature of their extended family.

Following his death, Riley's public tributes highlighted the depth of her grief, describing the loss as "true heartbreak." Her ongoing attempts to "make sense of" both her brother's and later her mother's deaths demonstrate the lasting trauma on the family unit. The siblings shared a childhood that was both unconventional and deeply rooted in the musical and artistic world of their parents, Lisa Marie and Danny Keough.

Riley Keough has since become the sole trustee of the Graceland estate, a role that involves managing the vast legacy of her grandfather, a legacy that her brother found so difficult to navigate. Her continued success in Hollywood is often seen as a tribute to the artistic spirit she shared with her late brother.

The Tragic Final Chapter: Details of His Death and Burial

Benjamin Keough died on July 12, 2020, at his mother's Calabasas home. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's office ruled the cause of death as suicide, specifically a self-inflicted intraoral shotgun wound. Toxicology reports later revealed that he had cocaine and alcohol in his system, and he had a history of depression and attempted suicide.

The immediate aftermath of the tragedy was devastating for Lisa Marie Presley. Reports later emerged that the grieving mother was in deep denial, struggling immensely with the loss of her son. The emotional turmoil was so severe that she allegedly kept Benjamin’s body at the family home for up to two months after his passing before his burial. This detail underscores the unimaginable pain and profound psychological impact the suicide had on his mother, who herself passed away suddenly just two years later in January 2023.

A Place of Eternal Rest: Graceland

In a final, poignant nod to the family history that both defined and tormented him, Benjamin Storm Keough was laid to rest at the Meditation Garden at Graceland. He was buried alongside his grandfather, Elvis Presley; his great-grandmother, Gladys Presley; his great-grandfather, Vernon Presley; and his great-great-grandmother, Minnie Mae Presley. The family plot, a final gathering place for the Presley line, is a powerful symbol of the lineage he could never escape. Following her own death, Lisa Marie Presley was also buried there, near her son and father, cementing the tragic trio's eternal rest at the heart of the Presley empire.

The Enduring Mystery and Mental Health Awareness

Benjamin Keough's death brought renewed attention to the intense pressures faced by children of famous families and the critical importance of mental health awareness. While the world saw the privilege of the Presley name, Benjamin himself was reportedly a gentle, thoughtful soul who struggled to find his identity outside of his famous heritage.

His story serves as a stark reminder that fame and fortune do not equate to happiness or immunity from mental illness. The tragedy cemented the narrative of the 'Presley Curse,' a term often used to describe the string of early deaths and personal struggles that have plagued the family since Elvis's own passing in 1977. Benjamin Storm Keough's short life remains a compelling, yet heartbreaking, footnote in the history of American royalty, forever linked to the King he so closely resembled.

benjamin storm keough
benjamin storm keough

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