Jennifer Eckhart, a former associate producer for Fox Business, has died. She was 36.
Eckhart was found dead in her home in Martin County, Florida, on Saturday, September 19, according to a Martin County Sheriff’s Office incident report obtained by People.
Christine Christofek, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, said in a statement, “This death has been ruled a suicide.”
In a press briefing, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek stated that Eckhart had been “‘Baker Act’ed” six times before her death. According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Baker Act “focuses on crisis services for individuals with mental illness, much like an emergency department is for individuals experiencing a medical emergency.”
Us reached out to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
TMZ was first to report the news.
Eckhart, who was born and raised in Miami, earned a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications news from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. She began her media career in the Sunshine State, working as an entertainment anchor for WUFT-TV, a PBS affiliate in Gainesville. She also worked as a correspondent for ESPN Radio, where she hosted the 2011 ESPN College Football Awards.
Eckhart worked at Fox Business from 2013 to 2020, producing programs such as The Claman Countdown and interviews with prominent figures in the business world.
Around the time of her departure from the company, Eckhart made headlines when she filed a lawsuit against former Fox News anchor Ed Henry and Fox News. She claimed that Henry, 55, sexually assaulted and raped her and used his position within the company to manipulate and control her. The lawsuit also alleged that Fox News promoted Henry even after receiving complaints of sexually inappropriate behavior.
“I think it’s safe to say that I was paralyzed by fear when I was working there [at Fox News Network]. I don’t know how you could continue to cultivate and foster an environment that rewards sexual predators consistently year after year,” Eckhart said in a 2020 interview on CBS This Morning.
She added, “I felt that [Henry] had the power to derail me, to destroy me, to ruin my career. And, I just, I didn’t have a voice until now.”
Henry denied all allegations. He was fired from Fox News in July 2020, with the network noting that it “strictly prohibits sexual harassment, misconduct and discrimination.” Fox News was dismissed from the case in March 2025. Three months later, Eckhart and Henry reached a confidential settlement before the case went to trial.
After leaving Fox, Eckhart launched the “Reinvented” podcast, dubbing the venture her “second act.” The podcast series focused on “inspirational tales of reinvention from some of the world’s most sought-after names in business, sports and entertainment who have overcome incredible obstacles and adversity on their journey to success,” according to Eckhart’s website.
The latest episode was released in March and featured former Florida State Senator and Palm Beach County prosecutor Dave Aronberg.
Eckhart last posted on Instagram in June, writing, “Haven’t posted since the last time gas was under $4. 😮💨What a time to be alive. Glad to be sharing this weird little corner of the Internet again. Working on some exciting stuff that I can’t wait to share with you all!”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
