Perhaps he was smothered with a pillow, or cloth of some sort?
Those ears do look like his but he could be faking death, replete with bruised cheeks and also, this entire photo could be a cut-and-paste Photoshop creation. Think 'Deep Fake' photo.
Perhaps... "HE'S ALLLLLIVE!", now partying on some remote island with Anthony Bourdain!
That may not be a bruised cheek.
IF, he was laying on his left side when he died, the blood would have pooled to the lowest level and that would be his cheek. This would nullify the rumor that he hung himself.
or, the bruise appearance may be because that facial part is in a shadow. Notice light is overhead.
He has pretty good color for a dead man. Any First Responders out there?