Priscilla Presley (left) and Riley Keough shared their grief for Benjamin Keough on social media. Image: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images/AFP, Instagram/@rileykeough
Priscilla Presley paid tribute to her grandson Benjamin, over a week after his death on July 12.
Her statement comes after Benjamin’s sister, actress Riley Keough, expressed her grief over losing her brother via Instagram last July 18.
Benjamin, the son of Lisa Marie Presley with Danny Keough, died by suicide at 27. He was the only grandson of rock ’n’ roll legend Elvis Presley.
Priscilla described how the family was struggling with the loss on Facebook yesterday, July 23.
“These are some of the darkest days of my family’s life. The shock of losing Ben has been devastating,” she said.
“Trying to put all the pieces together of all the possible whys has penetrated my soul. Each day I wake up I pray it will get better,” she wrote. “Then, I think of my daughter and the pain she is going through as she was a doting mother.”
“Ben’s father, Danny, who is completely lost, as Ben was his only son. Riley, so loving and so close to him; Harper and Finley, who absolutely adored Ben. Navarone, who struggles deeply with loss and death. Rest In Peace Ben, you were loved.”
Harper and Finley are Ben’s 11-year-old twin sisters, while Navarone Garibaldi is his uncle, Priscilla’s son with Marco Garibaldi.
Riley remembered her brother with a series of photos on Instagram and a touching message.
“Mornings are the hardest. I forget you’re gone. I can’t cry because of the fear that I will never stop. A pain that’s new to me,” the “Mad Max” star said.
“You. There are no words for you. Angel is the closest I could think of. Pure light. Baby brother. Best friend. Wild man. Intellectual. Witness to my life. Twin soul. Protector. Too sensitive for this harsh world.”
“I hope you give me strength to endure the giant hole you’ve left in my heart. I hope you give me the strength to eat. I hope you’re cradled in love. I hope you feel my love. I hope you feel god. You are god,” she wrote.
She concluded, “I can’t believe you’ve left me. Not you sweet Ben Ben. Anyone but you. I guess this is true heartbreak. I hope we meet again.” /ra
The Philippine Department of Health has said that every case of suicide is a tragedy that can be avoided. Thus, people who feel that they may be suffering from mental health problems and need help may call Hopeline hotlines:
- 804-HOPE (4673)
- 0917-558-HOPE (4673), or
- 2919 (toll-free number for Globe and TM subscribers)
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