KEANU Reeves may be a beloved Hollywood megastar, but his personal life has been one defined by tragedy.

The John Wick actor went public with Alexandra Grant in 2019, but before that he was with Jennifer Syme – until tragedy struck.

Jennifer Syme was a production assistant who dated Keanu ReevesCredit: California Department of Motor Vehicles

Who was Jennifer Syme?

Jennifer was born in California on December 7, 1972, and was a production assistant in Hollywood.

She also had a career as an actress with a few minor roles in movies.

Jennifer was a personal assistant to Dave Navarro of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

She dated Hollywood heart-throb Keanu Reeves from 1998 until 2000.

How did Jennifer Syme die?

On April 1, 2001, Jennifer attended a party at the home of Marilyn Manson.

After being driven home by another party guest shortly before dawn, she left her home, reportedly to return to the party.

On the morning of April 2, Jennifer drove her Jeep into a row of parked cars on Cahuenga Boulevard in LA.

She was partially ejected from the vehicle and died instantly – she was 28 years old.

An investigation into the collision concluded that Jennifer was not wearing a seatbelt and was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

Keanu was said to have found it “very, very difficult to cope with her death”.

It is commonly believed he used his experience with grief to portray John Wick, who lost his wife in the hit 2014 film.

He said: “I thought it was one of the foundations of the role. I love his grief.

“I relate to that, and I don’t think you ever work through it.

“Grief and loss don’t ever go away.”

Were Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Syme married?

Keanu and Jennifer were never married, but they were together for just under two years – from 1998 to 2000.

They met at a promotional party for his alt-rock band Dogstar where they “instantly fell in love”.

Although they never tied the knot the couple lived together.

Did Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Syme have children?

Just over a year into their relationship Jennifer fell pregnant with their first child.

However, their joy turned to sadness when on Christmas Eve in 1999 their daughter Ava Archer Syme-Reeves was born stillborn eight months into Jennifer’s pregnancy.

The strain put on their relationship by their grief resulted in their breakup several weeks later.

Jennifer is buried next to her daughter in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.