Former Fox Business producer and podcaster Jennifer Eckhart died by suicide at her Hobe Sound, Florida home on September 19, 2026, at age 36. Martin County officials confirmed the cause of death following an investigation, while friends and legal representatives offered tributes to her trauma advocacy.
Jennifer Eckhart, a television producer turned podcast host and trauma-survivor advocate, was found dead in her home in Martin County, Florida, according to law enforcement officials at age 36. Her mother discovered her body inside the residence just before noon on September 19, according to law enforcement officials.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek publicly addressed the death to dispel rumors, confirming that investigators had examined the scene thoroughly before determining the manner of death. Christine Christofek, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, issued a statement confirming that the death was ruled a suicide.
Investigation Findings and Mental Health History
Sheriff Budensiek stated that Eckhart had a history of struggling with mental health and had recently spent a seven-week period in a treatment facility dealing with suicidal ideology, prior to her release one week before her death. Investigators found that she had stopped taking prescribed medication and had written about her intentions in a personal ledger, according to the sheriff’s briefing.
Law enforcement records showed that over the preceding 18 months, sheriff’s deputies in Martin and Palm Beach counties had committed Eckhart six times under Florida’s Baker Act for emergency mental health evaluations.
Looking at the scene and going through the investigation, we spent a lot of time. We investigated it as if it was a homicide. But it is not. It’s a suicide.
Sheriff John Budensiek, Martin County Sheriff’s Office
Media Career and Legal History
Born in Miami, Eckhart graduated from the University of Florida with a telecommunications-news degree and worked as an entertainment anchor for PBS affiliate WUFT-TV, alongside a stint as an ESPN Radio correspondent. She joined Fox Business Network as an associate producer in 2013, maintaining her role there for seven years.
Eckhart gained national prominence in June 2020 when she filed a civil lawsuit accusing former Fox News anchor Ed Henry of rape and sexual misconduct during their time at the network, alleging incidents occurred in 2017. Henry denied the allegations and maintained that their relationship was consensual, while Fox News fired him in July 2020 following an external investigation by retained counsel, according to network statements.
The litigation spanned several years. In March 2025, a federal judge dismissed Fox News from the action, ruling that the evidence did not show network managers were aware of the alleged conduct in time to intervene, according to court documents. Eckhart and Henry ultimately reached a confidential settlement in June 2025, just one day before their civil trial was set to begin.
Transition to Advocacy and Podcast Work
Following her departure from cable news, Eckhart launched the podcast REINVENTED with Jen Eckhart
, featuring interviews with public figures from sports, business, and entertainment discussing resilience and personal transformation, such as NBA player Dwight Howard and former prosecutor Dave Aronberg. She also founded The Reinvented Project, a nonprofit aimed at supporting trauma survivors through animal-assisted healing, according to her website.
Legal representatives and public figures responded to news of her death with condolences. Michael J. Willemin, an attorney at Wigdor LLP who represented Eckhart, stated that the firm was deeply saddened
by her passing.
Mental health advocates emphasized available crisis resources in the wake of the tragedy. Anyone in distress can reach out via the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.