Former Fox News Staffer Jennifer Eckhart Dies by Suicide at 36
Jennifer Eckhart, a former Fox Business associate producer who became a prominent voice for workplace sexual harassment survivors after her 2020 lawsuit against former Fox News anchor Ed Henry, has died by suicide at age 36.
Eckhart was found dead at her home in Hobe Sound, Florida, on Saturday, September 19. Her mother contacted deputies after arriving at the residence and finding her daughter unresponsive. Deputies and fire-rescue personnel responded shortly before noon, and a paramedic pronounced her dead just before 12 p.m. Authorities have ruled her death a suicide.
Her Career at Fox and Beyond
Eckhart worked at Fox Business for about seven years as an associate producer before leaving the network in 2020. She went on to host a podcast called "REINVENTED," which featured guests, including business leaders, athletes and entertainers, who had overcome major setbacks. Her most recent episode, posted in March, featured former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg.
The Lawsuit Against Ed Henry
Eckhart became widely known in 2020 after filing a lawsuit against Henry, then a co-anchor of Fox News' "America's Newsroom," alleging that he sexually harassed and raped her while they both worked at the network. She said in her complaint that Henry had taken photos of her intended for "purposes of blackmail that could destroy her career."
Henry denied the allegations, maintaining that the relationship had been consensual. Fox News fired Henry in July 2020 following an internal investigation into what the network described as "willful sexual misconduct in the workplace."
Eckhart's legal fight also extended to Fox News itself, with her suit alleging the network failed to protect her from Henry despite knowing about his conduct. A federal appeals court upheld the dismissal of those claims against Fox in April 2025, finding the network did not know about Henry's alleged behavior before she came forward. Eckhart reached a settlement with Henry directly in 2024, ahead of a scheduled trial. In a past interview, she said she had felt "paralyzed by fear" while working at the network.
A 2025 Arrest
Beyond her legal battle with Fox and Henry, Eckhart faced her own legal trouble last year. In July 2025, she was arrested in Palm Beach County, Florida, on suspicion of battery following an alleged altercation with her boyfriend, Thomas Beasley.
According to an arrest affidavit, video of the incident showed Eckhart yelling at Beasley, striking him, and grabbing and ripping his shirt while demanding he delete the recording. The altercation reportedly stemmed from Beasley attempting to end their relationship. Eckhart was released on her own recognizance without bail, and the case was later dropped, according to reports.
Remembering Jennifer Eckhart
Following her death, tributes from friends and former colleagues began circulating on social media. In 2024, Eckhart reflected publicly on the resolution of her legal battle, saying she hoped it would serve as a "blueprint for future sexual assault survivors in the workplace."
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text at 988.
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