Jennifer Eckhart Dies at 36: Former Fox News Staffer’s Death Ruled Suicide
Former Fox News staffer Jennifer Eckhart has died at the age of 36, with authorities confirming that her death was ruled a suicide.
Eckhart was found dead at her home in Hobe Sound, Florida, on Saturday, September 19, according to an incident report from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office obtained by PEOPLE. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office confirmed that the death was ruled a suicide.
Her death comes more than a year after she settled a high-profile lawsuit against former Fox News anchor Ed Henry.
Jennifer Eckhart Worked At Fox News For Seven Years
Eckhart worked for Fox News and Fox Business for approximately seven years. She eventually became an associate producer at Fox Business before leaving the network in 2020.
She later became known publicly for a lawsuit she filed against Henry, whom she accused of rape and sexual misconduct. Henry denied the allegations and maintained that their relationship was consensual.
Fox News terminated Henry in July 2020 after the network said it conducted an investigation into a complaint involving sexual misconduct. The network said at the time that it had taken action after learning of Eckhart’s claims.
Eckhart’s Lawsuit Against Ed Henry
Eckhart filed her lawsuit in 2020, alleging that Henry sexually assaulted her while they worked together.
The case continued for several years. Eckhart also named Fox News as a defendant, but the claims against the network were later dismissed. Henry continued to deny the allegations.
In 2025, Eckhart and Henry reached a settlement before the case was scheduled to go to trial. Following the settlement, Eckhart described the legal battle as an exhausting and retraumatizing experience.
Henry’s attorney said at the time that the matter had been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties.
Jennifer Eckhart Focused On Helping Trauma Survivors
After leaving Fox News, Eckhart shifted much of her attention toward advocacy and media projects.
She founded The Reinvented Project, a nonprofit designed to support trauma survivors through animal-assisted therapy.
Eckhart also launched the REINVENTED with Jen Eckhart podcast. The show featured conversations with people from different fields about overcoming difficult experiences and rebuilding their lives.
Her work after Fox became an important part of her public identity.
In statements following her legal settlement, Eckhart spoke about turning her experiences into an opportunity to support other survivors.
Authorities Confirm Her Death
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Eckhart’s death was ruled a suicide. Her mother discovered her at her Florida residence on September 19, according to authorities and reports citing the incident investigation.
Authorities have provided limited public information about the investigation beyond confirming the manner of death.
Eckhart was 36.
Her death has prompted reactions from people who followed her career, legal battle and later advocacy work. Coverage of her passing has also renewed attention on the years she spent publicly discussing her experiences and efforts to help others.
Remembering Jennifer Eckhart
Eckhart’s career included work in television production, podcasting and advocacy.
Following her departure from Fox, she continued building a public platform focused on personal recovery, resilience and stories of people overcoming adversity.
Her death marks the end of a life that had included a high-profile media career, a lengthy legal dispute and later efforts to support trauma survivors.
As news of her passing spreads, authorities’ confirmation that her death was ruled a suicide remains the central confirmed detail surrounding the case.
People experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional crisis in the United States can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. People elsewhere should contact their local emergency or crisis service.
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