Former Fox News producer who sued anchor over alleged assault is found dead

Jennifer Eckhart, the former Fox News producer who sued her anchor over alleged sexual assault, was found dead at her Florida home over the weekend, police said.

The 36-year-old's death was ruled a suicide, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

Eckhart was found Saturday by her mother, Cynthia Eckhart, at her Hope Sound home on Florida’s Treasure Coast, according to a death investigation report seen by The Independent.

The Independent has contacted Eckhart’s representative for comment.

The podcast host settled a sexual assault lawsuit in June 2025 against former Fox News anchor Ed Henry, in which she accused him of rape. Henry, who was fired from Fox News in July 2020, denied the allegations.

He now works for another right-wing news network, Newsmax.

In July last year, Eckhart was arrested and accused of assaulting her ex-boyfriend before the charge was dropped by the Palm Beach County State Attorney due to insufficient evidence.

In an interview with The Independent, Eckhart said she felt vindicated following the decision and she was focusing on her podcast, REINVENTED. She also ran a non-profit called The Reinvented Project, which aimed to support trauma survivors through animal-assisted therapy.

“I feel vindicated that this matter has been resolved in my favor, with the state declining to file any charges,” Eckhart told The Independent.

“My mission has always been to turn pain into purpose — 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,” Eckhart said at the time.

Following the settlement of her lawsuit against Henry, Eckhart spoke of the toll the five-year legal battle had taken on her.

“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 after her settlement. “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.”

Eckhart last posted on her Instagram in early June, where she told her followers she had been working on some “exciting stuff” that she hoped to share.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the UK, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.