Jennifer Syme
Encyclopedia
Jennifer Maria Syme was an American actress and production assistant
. She was best known for her role in Lost Highway, and for her relationship with actor Keanu Reeves
.
, which is located right outside of Los Angeles, Syme lived in Pico Rivera for 18 years. Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, she landed a job working for director David Lynch
. Syme had a few minor film roles including a part in Lynch's Lost Highway.
's home. After being driven home by another party guest shortly before dawn, she left her home, reportedly to return to Manson's home at his request. On the morning of April 2, 2001, Syme drove her 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
into a row of parked cars on Cahuenga Boulevard in Los Angeles. She was ejected from the vehicle and died instantly. Syme was 28 years old.
Syme is buried next to her daughter Ava, stillborn in December 1999, in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery
in Los Angeles.
to her.
In April 2002, Syme's mother, Maria St. John, sued Marilyn Manson for wrongful death for giving Syme "various quantities of an illegal controlled substance" and for "instructing [Syme] to operate a motor vehicle in her incapacitated condition". Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, Manson issued a statement denying responsibility for Syme's death, stating that the lawsuit was "completely without merit".
An investigation into the accident concluded that Syme, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was inebriated at the time of the accident. Reports also stated that police found two rolled up dollar bills that contained a white, powdery substance and two bottles of prescription drugs, a muscle relaxant
and an anticonvulsant
. Syme's mother told police her daughter was seeking treatment for back pain and depression
just a few days prior to her death.
Production assistant
A production assistant, also known as a PA, is a job title used in filmmaking and television for a person responsible for various aspects of a production...
. She was best known for her role in Lost Highway, and for her relationship with actor Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Charles Reeves is a Canadian actor. Reeves is perhaps best known for his roles in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Speed, Point Break and the science fiction-action trilogy The Matrix...
.
Early life and career
Born in Pico Rivera, CaliforniaPico Rivera, California
Pico Rivera is a city located in southeastern Los Angeles County, California, United States. The city is situated approximately 11 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, on the eastern edge of the Los Angeles basin, and on the southern edge of the area known as the San Gabriel Valley...
, which is located right outside of Los Angeles, Syme lived in Pico Rivera for 18 years. Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, she landed a job working for director David Lynch
David Lynch
David Keith Lynch is an American filmmaker, television director, visual artist, musician and occasional actor. Known for his surrealist films, he has developed his own unique cinematic style, which has been dubbed "Lynchian", and which is characterized by its dream imagery and meticulous sound...
. Syme had a few minor film roles including a part in Lynch's Lost Highway.
Death
On April 1, 2001, Syme attended a party at musician Marilyn MansonMarilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson may refer to:* Marilyn Manson , an American rock musician* Marilyn Manson , the American rock band led by the singer of the same name...
's home. After being driven home by another party guest shortly before dawn, she left her home, reportedly to return to Manson's home at his request. On the morning of April 2, 2001, Syme drove her 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a Mid-size SUV produced by the Jeep division of Chrysler. While some other SUVs were manufactured with body on frame construction, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has always used a unibody chassis.- Development :...
into a row of parked cars on Cahuenga Boulevard in Los Angeles. She was ejected from the vehicle and died instantly. Syme was 28 years old.
Syme is buried next to her daughter Ava, stillborn in December 1999, in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery
Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery
The Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery is a cemetery in the Westwood Village area of Los Angeles, California. It is located at 1218 Glendon Avenue in Westwood....
in Los Angeles.
Aftermath
In tribute to Syme's memory, David Lynch dedicated the 2001 film Mulholland DriveMulholland Drive (film)
Mulholland Drive is a 2001 American neo-noir psychological thriller written and directed by David Lynch, starring Justin Theroux, Naomi Watts, and Laura Harring. The surrealist film was highly acclaimed by many critics and earned Lynch the Prix de la mise en scène at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival...
to her.
In April 2002, Syme's mother, Maria St. John, sued Marilyn Manson for wrongful death for giving Syme "various quantities of an illegal controlled substance" and for "instructing [Syme] to operate a motor vehicle in her incapacitated condition". Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, Manson issued a statement denying responsibility for Syme's death, stating that the lawsuit was "completely without merit".
An investigation into the accident concluded that Syme, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was inebriated at the time of the accident. Reports also stated that police found two rolled up dollar bills that contained a white, powdery substance and two bottles of prescription drugs, a muscle relaxant
Muscle relaxant
A muscle relaxant is a drug which affects skeletal muscle function and decreases the muscle tone. It may be used to alleviate symptoms such as muscle spasms, pain, and hyperreflexia. The term "muscle relaxant" is used to refer to two major therapeutic groups: neuromuscular blockers and spasmolytics...
and an anticonvulsant
Anticonvulsant
The anticonvulsants are a diverse group of pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of epileptic seizures. Anticonvulsants are also increasingly being used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, since many seem to act as mood stabilizers, and in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The goal of an...
. Syme's mother told police her daughter was seeking treatment for back pain and depression
Clinical depression
Major depressive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and by loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities...
just a few days prior to her death.