Jennifer Eckhart, a 36-year-old former Fox Business associate producer and podcast host, was found dead Saturday at her home in Martin County, Florida. Her mother discovered her and contacted sheriff's officials. The Martin County Sheriff's Office has said Eckhart died by suicide.
The Miami Herald reported that Eckhart, of Hobe Sound, was found dead on September 19 after her mother contacted sheriff's officials. A report cited by the newspaper said Eckhart was found in the bathroom adjoining the home's master bedroom. The sheriff's office has not released additional details about the circumstances.
A Career Behind and In Front of the Camera
Before hosting REINVENTED, Eckhart worked as an associate producer at Fox Business, according to the Herald. The podcast featured guests discussing setbacks, obstacles and efforts to rebuild their lives and careers, including figures from business, sports and entertainment. The Herald reported that the last known episode, featuring former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg, appears to have been posted in March.
Eckhart was a Miami native who graduated from the University of Florida, the outlet reported. Her work as a broadcast producer and podcast host had put her in touch with a range of public figures whose stories of setback and recovery formed the backbone of her show.
The 2020 Allegations Against Ed Henry
Eckhart also drew public attention in 2020 after accusing journalist Ed Henry of sexual assault. Fox News fired Henry that year after investigating a complaint involving alleged sexual misconduct, the Herald reported. Coverage of that case remained part of subsequent accounts of Eckhart's career.
Mental-health resources in Martin County
For people in Martin County seeking immediate or ongoing support, the Florida Department of Health in Martin County says residents can call 211 for help from local experts 24 hours a day, seven days a week; calls can be confidential and anonymous. The article also lists the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline below.
Martin County offers free mental-health-awareness training that includes suicide-awareness and prevention sessions, according to the county government. The Florida Department of Health in Martin County identifies mental health and substance abuse as one of the county's three community health priority areas. A 2016 Martin County Community Health Improvement Plan from the Health Council of Southeast Florida also listed a lack of mental-health services among the county's challenges; that planning document does not make a finding about Eckhart's death.
Anyone experiencing a crisis or thoughts of suicide can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or the older number, 800-273-TALK (8255). The Crisis Text Line can also be reached by texting 741741.
