Jennifer Eckhart Dies at 36: Former Fox News Staffer’s Death Ruled Suicide

Jennifer Eckhart, a former Fox Business associate producer and journalist, has died at 36. Authorities in Florida have ruled her death a suicide.

Eckhart was found dead at her home in Martin County on September 19, 2026, according to reports citing the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed the manner of death during a September 21 news briefing.

Her death comes more than a year after she reached a settlement with former Fox News anchor Ed Henry following a highly publicized legal battle. In the years after leaving Fox, Eckhart also developed a career centered on journalism, podcasting and support for trauma survivors.

Jennifer Eckhart’s Death Was Ruled a Suicide

According to authorities, Eckhart was found at her Florida residence on September 19. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office and medical examiner determined that her death was a suicide.

Sheriff Budensiek also discussed Eckhart’s previous encounters with Florida’s mental-health crisis system during the briefing. He said she had been detained six times under the Baker Act during the previous 18 months.

Officials said Eckhart had also recently spent time receiving treatment at a mental-health facility.

Because suicide is a sensitive subject, authorities and news organizations have generally focused on the confirmed circumstances surrounding her death rather than unnecessary details about the method.

Who Was Jennifer Eckhart?

Eckhart built a career in television and journalism before becoming widely known through her legal dispute with Fox News.

According to her professional biography, she was born and raised in Miami and studied telecommunications-news at the University of Florida. Her early media work included an entertainment anchor role at WUFT-TV and work with ESPN Radio.

She later joined Fox and worked as an associate producer for Fox Business Network. She also appeared in the wider Fox media ecosystem through Fox News and Fox Nation.

After leaving the network, Eckhart moved into podcasting and other media projects.

Eckhart’s 2020 Lawsuit Against Ed Henry and Fox News

Eckhart became nationally known in 2020 after filing a federal lawsuit against former Fox News anchor Ed Henry and Fox News Network.

In the lawsuit, Eckhart alleged that Henry had sexually harassed and assaulted her during their time at the network. Henry denied her allegations and maintained that their relationship had been consensual.

Fox News also denied Eckhart’s allegations concerning the company.

Henry was fired by Fox News in July 2020 after the network said it had conducted an investigation into a complaint involving sexual misconduct.

The legal case continued for several years.

What Happened to the Fox News Claims?

The legal status of the case changed significantly in 2025.

In March 2025, U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams granted Fox News’ motion for summary judgment, removing the network from the case. The court’s ruling addressed Eckhart’s claims against Fox and found that the evidence did not establish the required basis for holding the network liable under her claims.

The court subsequently entered judgment in favor of Fox News in June 2025.

Eckhart’s remaining claims against Henry were settled in June 2025. The financial terms of that settlement were not publicly disclosed.

It is important to distinguish the legal outcomes: Fox News obtained judgment in its favor, while Eckhart’s claims against Henry were resolved through a settlement rather than a trial verdict. Henry continued to deny her allegations.

Eckhart Turned Her Focus Toward Reinvention

Following her departure from Fox, Eckhart pursued projects that reflected her interest in overcoming adversity and supporting people affected by trauma.

She hosted the REINVENTED with Jen Eckhart podcast, which featured conversations with people from business, sports and entertainment about challenges they had faced in their lives and careers.

She also founded The Reinvented Project, a nonprofit focused on helping trauma survivors through animal-assisted healing.

The organization’s website describes its mission as supporting trauma survivors through human-animal connections and collaborations with mental-health professionals and other organizations.

That work became an important part of Eckhart’s public life after her Fox career.

Her Legal Battle Had Ended Before Her Death

Eckhart’s lawsuit against Henry was settled in June 2025 after roughly five years of litigation.

At the time, she described the legal process as extremely difficult and said the settlement allowed her to focus again on supporting other trauma survivors.

Court records confirm that the remaining claims against Henry were voluntarily dismissed following the settlement, while judgment was entered in favor of Fox News on Eckhart’s claims against the network.

Her death therefore came more than a year after the major litigation had been resolved.

Remembering Jennifer Eckhart’s Work

Beyond the lawsuit that brought her widespread attention, Eckhart had spent years building a career in journalism and media.

Her work included television production, sports and entertainment journalism, podcasting and survivor advocacy. Her Reinvented Project also reflected her interest in animal-assisted support for people recovering from trauma.

The circumstances of her death have now brought renewed attention to both her professional career and the difficult personal experiences she discussed publicly.

A Note on Suicide and Mental Health

Suicide can affect people and families in profound ways, and reporting on such deaths requires care. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or feels at immediate risk, seek help from local emergency services or a qualified crisis-support service.

In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988.