Sporting world rocked by shock death of much-loved TV host

Perth Now

02-06-2025

Tributes are flowing from across the globe after the unexpected death of much-loved sports show host John Brenkus.
The Sports Science founder and host died on Saturday, aged 54.
His heartbroken family released a statement saying Brenkus lost his fight with depression over the weekend.
'It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away,' a statement read.
'John, co-founder of Base Productions, Founder of Brinx.TV, and co-creator and host of the six-time Emmy award-winning 'Science' had been battling depression.
'John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31, 2025.
'His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time, and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help.'
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Brenkus rose to fame with the creation of his hugely popular Sports Science program.
Originally debuting on Fox Sports Net in 2007, the show moved to ESPN a few years later before the network bought the brand.
The show aimed to present the science behind some of the world's best athletes and certain moments.
Filmed inside an airport hangar in Los Angeles, the show would focus on testing certain aspects of an athlete's performance (such as speed and reaction time).
Nothing was off limits with the show even tackling how speed eating champion Joey Chestnut is able to put away as many as hot dogs as he can.
The show was hugely successful, nominated and winning multiple Emmy Awards throughout its running.
Brenkus also founded and became the CEO of Brinx TV, which produced and was a platform for sports and general media coverage.
Brenkus had previously been open about his battle with depression and suicide.
'I fell into a very deep depression,' he said in a 2023 interview with former NFL player Marcellus Wiley.
'I spiralled into a deep, deep depression and I was flat-out suicidal.'
Wiley was among the many to pay tribute after learning on Brenkus' death.
'RIP John Brenkus,' he wrote along with a prayer and heart emoji.
'Prayers up for John Brenkus and his family The man who gave us the Emmy Winning Sports Science lost his battle with depression at the age of 54,' Robert Griffin III wrote.
'I'm so incredibly sad to learn of the passing of John Brenkus. I did an episode of Sport Science back in the day and we remained friends. The ultimate professional, he was kind, encouraging, smart and inventive. This is awful. RIP John Brenkus,' Matthew Berry wrote.
'Oh my god John Brenkus died? RIP to a legend. Sports Science was an all time show. Prayers to his family and friends,' Jack Mac wrote.
'This is awful man. Sports Science was the best. So nostalgic. RIP John Brenkus,' another fan said.
'This is just sad. I loved Sports Science growing up. RIP John Brenkus,' another said.