A good guideline I've heard is that you say "X has died/eaten/gone" but "X died/ate/went this morning." So simple past if there is a specific time attached and

A good guideline I've heard is that you say "X has died/eaten/gone" but "X died/ate/went this morning." So simple past if there is a specific time attached and present perfect if it's a general statement. More examples: "Have you [ever] been to New York?" "Did you go to New York last week?" "Have you seen Star Wars?" "Did you see Star Wars this afternoon?" Might not work in every circumstance but a good rule of thumb.