Jeff Buckley Age at Death: Key Verified Facts
Jeff Buckley died on May 29, 1997, at age 30. His death resulted from drowning in the Wolf River Harbor near Memphis, Tennessee, after losing his footing and being swept under a houseboat. Born November 17, 1966, he was months shy of his 31st birthday. Below is a compact factual summary of dates and circumstances drawn from authoritative public records and widely cited reporting.
Verified Timeline and Identity Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeffrey Scott "Jeff" Buckley | Birth certificate, biographies |
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1966 | Public records, official biographies |
| Date of Death | May 29, 1997 | Memphis police and coroner reports |
| Age at Death | 30 years old | Calculated from above dates |
| Location of Death | Wolf River Harbor, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. | Official incident and coroner reports |
| Cause of Death | Accidental drowning | Coroner and law enforcement reports |
Circumstances of Jeff Buckley's Death
On the evening of May 29, 1997, Buckley was on the Mississippi River with friends on a rented houseboat near the Memphis riverfront. He walked out on the boat's landing in low light and apparently slipped, falling into the river and becoming submerged. Despite immediate rescue attempts by those onboard and subsequent emergency response, he could not be revived. Authorities and the Shelby County medical examiner concluded the manner was accidental drowning. The case has sometimes generated confusion due to the presence of a different person, Timothy Buckley, in some public records; clear identification and jurisdictional reporting confirmed the victim was Jeffrey Scott Buckley.
Jeff Buckley's Brief Career and Lasting Influence
Although his professional recording career was short, Jeff Buckley released one major-label album, "Grace" (1994), which has achieved enduring critical acclaim and a devoted following. His vocal range, genre-blending songwriting, and live performances remain influential more than a quarter-century after his passing. Understanding his age at death and the context helps frame both the tragedy and the legacy that followed.
Immediate Aftermath and Memorials
News of Buckley's death triggered an outpouring from fans and peers. Memorials, vigils, and annual gatherings have taken place at the river in Memphis and elsewhere. Estate-related developments over the years—catalog management and reissues—have kept interest in his work steady. These ongoing activities are separate from the factual details of his age and the circumstances surrounding his death, which remain consistent across authoritative sources.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Some confusion has arisen from informal citations and conflicting numbers in early coverage. Public records, the coroner's report, and reputable biographical documentation consistently support the facts above. When reviewing timelines or comparisons to other musicians, the basic data points—birth date, death date, and age—are well established and corroborated by multiple reliable sources.
Comparative Context: Jeff Buckley's Age Relative to Peers
Placing Buckley's age at death alongside peers can highlight the brevity of his impact, but the core confirmed fact remains: he died at age 30. Reliable biographies and datasets on prominent musicians who died young consistently list this age alongside verified dates.
- Age 30 at death; born November 17, 1966, died May 29, 1997.
- Death attributed to accidental drowning in Memphis, Tennessee.
- One major studio album, "Grace" (1994), underpins a lasting critical and fan legacy.
Reliable Sources and Verification Notes
Readers seeking primary materials can consult the Shelby County Tennessee medical examiner, local law enforcement incident logs, and authoritative biographies that cite those records. Cross-referencing these materials confirms the age and context described here. Treating each detail as part of a verifiable record minimizes confusion and supports accurate public understanding of Jeff Buckley's life and passing.