Jennifer Eckhart, the former Fox News producer who settled a sexual assault lawsuit against anchor Ed Henry, was found dead at her Hobe Sound, Florida home over the weekend, authorities said. She was 36 years old.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed her death was ruled a suicide. Eckhart was discovered Saturday by her mother, Cynthia Eckhart, at the family’s Treasure Coast home, according to a death investigation report.
Jennifer Eckhart’s Lawsuit Against Ed Henry
Eckhart had accused former Fox News anchor Ed Henry of rape in a lawsuit that she settled in June 2025, concluding a five-year legal battle. Henry, who was fired from Fox News in July 2020, denied the allegations and now works for Newsmax.
After the settlement, Eckhart spoke publicly about the personal cost of the case. “This has been an exhaustive, retraumatizing, five-year legal battle with incredible challenges that at times I almost felt was unable to bear,” she told PEOPLE. “With this settlement in place, a weight has now been lifted from my shoulders and my passion to support fellow trauma survivors has been renewed.”
In addition to the civil case, Eckhart faced a separate legal matter when she was arrested in July 2024 and accused of assaulting an ex-boyfriend. That charge was dropped by the Palm Beach County State Attorney due to insufficient evidence. You can read more about Jennifer Eckhart’s legal battles and death in the original reporting.
Her Work Supporting Trauma Survivors
After the assault charge was dropped, Eckhart said she felt cleared and was redirecting her energy toward her platform and advocacy work. “I feel vindicated that this matter has been resolved in my favor, with the state declining to file any charges,” she said at the time.
She hosted a podcast called REINVENTED and ran a non-profit, The Reinvented Project, focused on helping trauma survivors through animal-assisted therapy. “My mission has always been to turn pain into purpose,” she said, “through my platform, I will continue standing alongside survivors of assault, abuse, and domestic violence, reminding them they are not alone and that strength and healing are possible.”
Her Final Public Posts and What Comes Next
Eckhart last posted on Instagram in early June, telling followers she had been working on some “exciting stuff” she hoped to share soon. No further details about arrangements or a public memorial have been announced.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the UK, contact the Samaritans at 116 123.
