‘90s Musician Jeff Buckley Went Vegan Hours Before His Tragic Death

The newly released HBO documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley offers an intimate portrait of the ’90s musician leading up to his tragic death. Just hours before Buckley drowned in the Mississippi River at age 30, he reportedly told his former partner that he had decided to stop eating animals and go vegan. A short film accompanying the documentary, From Art to Avians, explores the aftermath of Buckley’s death, focusing on his former partner’s creation of a rescue for disabled chickens in Upstate New York.

The documentary and short film together provide a more complex view of Buckley’s inner world, showing not only his musical legacy but also his personal struggles and growth. It offers a glimpse into his search for grounding in the face of rising commercial expectations and his evolving relationship with animals and responsibility. Fans and newcomers alike will gain a deeper understanding of the musician—the documentary balances Buckley’s vocal brilliance with a portrayal of a man overwhelmed by fame and mental health challenges, while the short film highlights the ongoing impact of his relationships and values.