Tragic Discovery: Model’s Husband Found Dead in NYC Apartment After Years of Isolation, Friends Reveal

Jacob Zieben and Jacob Paulson became friends in 2013, sharing a bond as young gay men starting new lives in New York City. Their friendship flourished for two years until Jacob Zieben began dating model Donald Hood. Paulson felt their friendship shift, noting Zieben’s sudden withdrawal.

“I just wanted him to be happy,” Paulson said, reflecting on their lost connection. He learned of Zieben’s marriage to Hood through social media, where he saw their new life unfold. However, news of Zieben’s tragic death in his Harlem apartment two weeks ago hit Paulson hard.

Authorities discovered Zieben’s body after Hood called for help. He was found with severe injuries and signs of an apparent struggle. In the wake of Zieben’s death, it was revealed that Hood had a history of domestic violence, with multiple charges filed against him, including strangulation.

Hood, who has a sizable Instagram following, was arrested and is currently held at Rikers Island, facing several charges. Although he hasn’t been charged with murder, the investigation is ongoing, and many are concerned about the signs of abuse in their relationship.

Friends of Zieben have expressed deep sadness over the loss. They believe Hood’s controlling nature isolated Zieben from those who cared about him. Marti G. Cummings, a drag queen friend, fondly remembered Zieben as a protector but lamented that he was not protected from his own situation.

As friends recount memories of their times together, their bond remains evident. They remember a group of misfits navigating the challenges of city life, forging a unique, supportive community.

Statistics show that domestic violence affects many relationships; in 2021 alone, nearly 20 people per minute were physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S. What happened to Zieben isn’t just a tragic story—it’s a stark reminder of the potential dangers hidden behind seemingly happy lives.

In a chilling turn, friends noted that Zieben had become less accessible once he started dating Hood. According to those who knew him, Zieben used to have a vibrant social life but began distancing himself from friends. Some even recalled conversations where he spoke about Hood’s possessive tendencies.

Paulson shared hope earlier this year that their friendship might rekindle when Zieben followed him on Instagram. “I was excited to reconnect,” he said, now left feeling devastated by the loss.

As Zieben’s friends come together, they cherish his memory and support one another through this tragic time. The story of Jacob Zieben serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of community and vigilance in addressing the signs of unhealthy relationships.



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