Eli Hayes, a celebrated filmmaker and Letterboxd user, passed away in May 2020 at the age of 26. His death shocked and saddened many fans and friends who admired his passion and talent for cinema. But what was the cause of his death and how did he die? Here is what we know so far.
A Friend to the Film Community
Hayes was a prolific and versatile filmmaker who directed, produced and edited more than 20 feature films and 40 short films in his short career. His work was screened at over 70 festivals across six continents, including prestigious venues such as Cannes, Beijing and Anthology Film Archives. He was also a project manager at the Nashville Film Institute and worked at the Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee.
Hayes was also a prominent and influential member of the online film community, especially on Letterboxd, a social media service that allows movie lovers to share their views and opinions. He had over 17,000 followers on the platform and wrote insightful and eloquent reviews of hundreds of films. He was known for his kindness, generosity and enthusiasm for cinema.
Hayes’ death was confirmed in a post on Letterboxd that read: “A friend to this community. A friend to fellow filmmakers. As passionate a cinephile as there ever was. A unique and powerful filmmaker, who could imbue an image with emotion without trying. Rest in peace, my friend.”
A Possible Suicide
Hayes’ cause of death has not been made public, but some sources suggest that he died by suicide. A tweet from his close friend James Healey announced his death and said: “I just found out Eli Hayes has been found dead. We used to be close friends and I want to share some words and pictures. RIP brother.” The tweet included a screenshot of a text message from Hayes that read: “I’m sorry James. I love you. Goodbye.”
Hayes had been struggling with depression for a long time and had posted several messages on his social media accounts that indicated his mental health issues. On his Facebook page, he wrote in January 2020: “Just trying to make it to tomorrow.” On his Letterboxd profile, he wrote: “I’m not okay.”
Hayes also made several films that dealt with themes of suicide, such as “A Florida Melancholy”, his last work, which he released in March 2020. The film is a personal and poetic exploration of his suicidal thoughts and feelings, inspired by his trip to Florida in 2019. He wrote in the description: “This is a film about the end of the world, and the beginning of a new one. This is a film about my suicide.”
A Legacy of Art and Passion
Hayes’ death is a tragic loss for the film world and for everyone who knew him and loved him. He left behind a legacy of art and passion that will continue to inspire and touch many people. He was a true cinephile who dedicated his life to cinema and shared his vision and voice with the world. He was a unique and powerful filmmaker who could imbue an image with emotion without trying.
As one of his fans wrote on Letterboxd: “Things won’t ever be the same, but his passion will live on forever. Thank you for everything Eli, we will all miss you terribly.”
