Beloved TV Host Who Had Been 'Battling Depression' Unexpectedly Dies at 54
Beloved TV Host Who Had Been 'Battling Depression' Unexpectedly Dies at 54 originally appeared on Parade.
Sports fans and TV fans alike are mourning the unexpected loss of Sport Science host John Brenkus. He was 54.
In the evening of Sunday, June 1, the news that Brenkus has died was shared with "profound sadness" in a statement on his official account on X.
"John, co-founder of Base Productions, founder of Brinx.tv, and co-creator and host of the 6-time Emmy Award-winning Sport Science, had been battling depression," the statement read. "John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31, 2025."
The statement continued, "His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time, and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help."
Brenkus hosted Sport Science from the time it began in 2007, first airing on Fox Sports Networks before moving over to ESPN for its third season. The series featured professional athletes helping to test the ways that sports and science converge.
Fans are sharing how much Brenkus and his work meant to them on X, and it seems like he will be incredibly missed.
"This was my childhood and really helped in my love for physics and my science career I now am in," one fan wrote on X. "You will be missed."
"John, you changed my entire understanding of sports. Thank you. Rest in peace," another wrote.
This is such a heartbreaking loss, but it's clear that Brenkus made an impact on so many people during his short life.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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Beloved TV Host Who Had Been 'Battling Depression' Unexpectedly Dies at 54 first appeared on Parade on Jun 2, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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