Jennifer Eckhart death reason: Former Fox News associate producer, who accused her ex-colleague Ed Henry of rape, found dead at 36

Former Fox News associate producer and podcast host Jennifer Eckhart, 36, was found dead at her home in Hobe Sound, Florida, according to reports. Eckhart worked at Fox Business Network from 2013 until 2020 and later became known publicly for a lawsuit against former Fox News anchor Ed Henry, whom she accused of sexual assault and rape.

Jennifer Eckhart death reason

Eckhart was found dead at her Hobe Sound home on Saturday, September 19. Her mother contacted authorities after discovering her daughter, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office. Local authorities said Eckhart died by suicide. The news of her death was reported on September 21. Details surrounding her death remain limited, although authorities have confirmed the manner of death.

Eckhart was 36.

Jennifer Eckhart and Ed Henry lawsuit

Eckhart filed a lawsuit against former Fox News anchor Ed Henry in 2020, alleging that he sexually assaulted and raped her and used his position at the network to exert power over her. Henry denied the allegations and said their relationship was consensual.

Eckhart also sued Fox News, alleging that the network failed to protect her and did not properly respond to Henry's alleged conduct.

Fox News fired Henry in July 2020 after receiving a complaint and conducting an internal investigation.

The legal case continued for several years. A federal judge ruled in March 2025 that Henry would still face Eckhart's civil claims while granting Fox News summary judgment on the claims against the network.

Eckhart and Henry subsequently settled the remaining claims in June 2025, shortly before the scheduled trial. The case against Henry was then dismissed.

Eckhart's claims against Fox News were also dismissed. In April 2026, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the ruling in favor of Fox News, finding that Eckhart had not shown the network knew about Henry's alleged conduct before she reported it.

What Jennifer Eckhart said about her experience

Following her departure from Fox News, Eckhart spoke publicly about her experiences at the network.

In discussing her time there, she said she had been "paralyzed by fear" and believed Henry had the power to damage her career.

"I think it’s safe to say that I was paralyzed by fear when I was working there."

She also said: "I felt that he had the power to derail me, to destroy me, to ruin my career. And, I just, I didn’t have a voice until now."

Her allegations became a central part of the 2020 lawsuit against Henry and Fox News.

Jennifer Eckhart's life after Fox News

After leaving Fox News, Eckhart launched the podcast REINVENTED, which focused on people who had overcome challenges and rebuilt their careers and lives.

The podcast featured interviews with figures from business, sports and entertainment. Her website described it as a series focused on stories of reinvention and overcoming adversity.

Eckhart had also remained active on social media and in media-related work following her departure from Fox.

Jennifer Eckhart arrest

In 2025, Eckhart was arrested in Palm Beach County, Florida, on suspicion of battery following an alleged domestic incident involving her boyfriend. Reports said the arrest followed a video that allegedly showed Eckhart attacking him during an argument.

The incident was separate from her earlier legal battle involving Henry.

Eckhart's death comes more than six years after she first filed her lawsuit against Henry and Fox News.

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in emotional crisis in the US, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.