Latest news with #SportsScience
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Sports Science 'Host John Brenkus Died by Suicide, Says Medical Examiner: Report
John Brenkus was the host and founder of Sports Science He died on Saturday, May 31, according to a statement posted on his X account and the website Brenkus died by suicide, according to TMZ, citing the Virginia Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Two days after John Brenkus' death was announced, his cause of death was revealed. Brenkus died by suicide on Saturday, May 31, according to TMZ, citing the Virginia Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. PEOPLE has reached out to the department for comment. His death was announced via a statement posted to his X account on Sunday, June 1, and the website. — John Brenkus (@johnbrenkus_) June 2, 2025 "It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away. John, co-founder of BASE Productions, founder of and co-creator and host of the 6-time Emmy Award-winning Sport Science, had been battling depression," the statement said. The statement noted that "John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31st, 2025." "His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time, and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help," the statement continued. Sport Science first aired on Fox Sports in 2007, before moving to ESPN. The show, hosted by Brenkus, uncovered "sports' biggest myths and mysteries by using cutting-edge technology to measure momentum, friction and the laws of gravity," according to an ESPN synopsis. Brenkus hosted nearly 1,800 segments explaining the correlation between science and sports, USA Today reported. ESPN shared a tribute to the late host on SportsCenter, announcing his death to viewers and remembering him as an 'innovator, entertainer and educator,' who 'will be missed by many.' Brenkus was vocal about his mental health, telling Marcellus Wiley in a 2023 episode of Never Shut Up that he once fell into a "deep deep depression' after selling Sport Science to ESPN. "I was flat out suicidal," Brenkus said, adding, "I was ready to do it and my dog Zeppelin came to my rescue. Literally pulled on my pants, on my jeans, and literally was going crazy. Wouldn't leave me alone." After the experience, he called his mom and said, " 'There's something wrong with me. I am mentally lost.' " "I then went through a battle, I'm telling you, a battle to get out of it," he said, noting that he "finally found the way," after going to six different psychologists and psychiatrists. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 24/7. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
John Brenkus, co-creator and host of ‘Sport Science,' dies at 54
TV personality John Brenkus, best known for his role as the host of the TV show 'Sport Science,' has died at the age of 54. News of his passing was announced in a statement to Brenkus' social media channels Sunday night. An exact cause of death was not revealed. Instead, the statement mentioned only that Brenkus has been battling depression and 'lost his fight with this terrible illness' on May 31. 'Sports Science' was an Emmy award-winning program that first aired on Fox Sports before moving to ESPN. The series focused on highlighting specific areas of sports and breaking them down for the viewer. This ranged from comparing a hit from an NFL defender to a car crash to depicting how competitive eater Joey Chestnut could possibly eat over 70 hot dogs. The series aired for three seasons from 2007-2009, though Brenkus continued to produce segments for ESPN programming after the show's completion. ESPN aired a small tribute to Brenkus after the announcement of his death, calling him 'an innovator, an entertainer and an educator.' Here is the full statement posted to Brenkus' social media accounts: 'It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away. John, co-founder of Base Productions, founder of and co-creator and host of the 6-time Emmy award-winning 'Sport Science,' had been battling depression. John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31st, 2025. His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time, and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help." Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
John Brenkus death: Founder and host of ESPN's Sports Science dies aged 54
John Brenkus, the founder and host of ESPN's Emmy-winning Sports Science show, has died aged 54 after 'battling depression,' a statement on his social media account said Sunday. 'It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away,' the statement on Brenkus's X account read. 'John, co-founder of Base Productions, Founder of and co-creator and host of the six-time Emmy award-winning 'Sport 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.' Sports Science first aired in 2007 on Fox Sports before moving to ESPN in 2010. Filmed inside a Los Angeles airport hangar or on location using a mobile laboratory, the show 'uncovers sports' biggest myths and mysteries by using cutting-edge technology to measure momentum, friction and the laws of gravity,' per ESPN. It frequently saw Brenkus perform scientific tests as an 'Average Joe' alongside professional athletes. The series won six Sports Emmy Awards since its inception. In a tribute on ESPN, Brenkus was described as an 'innovator, an entertainer and an educator.' Fans on social media mourned his death. Among them was former NFL defensive end Marcellus Wiley, who worked with Brenkus on and shared: 'RIP' on X alongside a heart emoji. Two years ago, Brenkus told Wiley about his suicide attempt, which was foiled by his dog, Zeppelin. 'I come off of selling my company, selling Sports Science, ESPN... You know the isolation that you feel living in a mountain town, the cold weather, injuries, things not feeling right, I spiraled into a deep, deep depression," Brenkus said. 'I was ready to do it and my dog Zeppelin came to my rescue literally, pulled on my pants on my jeans, and was literally driving me crazy, wouldn't leave me alone,' Brenkus added. 'I literally picked up my phone, called my mom and said: 'There's something wrong with me. I am mentally lost.'' More to follow If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@ or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. 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 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. If you are in another country, you can go to to find a helpline near you
New York Post
3 days ago
- Science
- New York Post
John Brenkus, Emmy-winning host of ESPN's ‘Sport Science,' dead at 54 after battle with depression
John Brenkus, the six-time Emmy-winning host and co-creator of the 'Sport Science' program, has died following a battle with depression, a message posted on his social media pages announced Sunday. He was 54 years old. 'It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away,' the message read on X. Advertisement 3 John Brenkus in June 2017. WireImage 'John, co-founder of Base Productions, founder of and co-creator and host of the 6-time Emmy Award-winning 'Sport Science,' had been battling depression. 'John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31st, 2025. Advertisement 'His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time, and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help.' Members of the NFL and sports media community paid tribute to Brenkus in the wake of Sunday's tragic news. 'This is incredibly sad. John was so good at what he did. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, John,' ESPN's Adam Schefter penned Monday on X. 'Prayers up for John Brenkus and his family,' former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III wrote Sunday on X. Advertisement 3 John Brenkus speaks in September 2018. Getty Images Kristi Dosh, a contributor for Forbes who previously covered the business of college sports at ESPN, also reflected on Brenkus' legacy. 'Just saw the news of John Brenkus passing over on his Facebook profile. So heartbreaking. Sport Science was an incredible show, and I never heard anything but good things about him during my time at ESPN,' she wrote Sunday on X. As the host of 'Sports Science,' Brenkus helped to 'uncover sports' biggest myths and mysteries by using cutting-edge technology to measure momentum, friction and the laws of gravity,' according to the show's ESPN page. Advertisement 3 John Brenkus served as the host of 'Sport Science.' Stewart Cook / Shutterstock Brenkus had been candid about his mental health struggles, sharing in a 2023 interview with former NFL defensive end Marcellus Wiley how he tried to take his own life before his dog saved him. 'In my suicidal funk was like, 'What am I doing?' I literally picked up my phone, called my mom, I said, 'There's something wrong with me. I am mentally lost,'' Brenkus recounted on the program. 'I then went through a battle, I mean, I'm telling you, a battle, to get out of it. Wiley mourned Brenkus in a post on X, writing Sunday, 'RIP @johnbrenkus_.' If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at for free and confidential crisis counseling.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
John Brenkus' Dog Miraculously Saved Him From Suicide, Former ESPN Host Recalls in Famous Interview
John Brenkus' Dog Miraculously Saved Him From Suicide, Former ESPN Host Recalls in Famous Interview originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The sports world mourned the death of former 'Sports Science' host John Brenkus on Sunday as the motivational speaker, television host, six-time Emmy Award winner and 'NIL House' founder died at the age of 53. Advertisement Brenkus battled a deep-seated depression for several years and was vocal about his struggles, previously telling former NFL player Marcellus Wiley about his recovery. On Sunday, a viral video resurfaced of Brenkus telling the story of how his suicide attempt involving a noose around his neck was foiled by his dog Zeppelin. The video put a positive spin on an otherwise gloomy day of news for fans of the popular sports scientist, kinesiology buff and former ESPN host. Marcellus Wiley, show here at the NFL Honors in 2024, shared the fascinating story of John Brenkus' suicide attempt with the world. © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images "I fell into a very deep depression," Brenkus says to Wiley in the video that began going viral Sunday after his death. "I come off of selling my company, selling Sports Science, know the isolation that you feel living in a mountain town, the cold weather, injuries, things not feeling right, I spiraled into a deep, deep depression," Brenkus said. Advertisement His signature upbeat voiced masked the dark nature of his story. "I was flat-out suicidal. So much so, I had a noose tied around my neck, I was ready to do it and my dog Zeppelin came to my rescue literally, pulled on my pants on my jeans, and was literally driving me crazy, wouldn't leave me alone," Brenkus added, saying he picked up his phone and called his mom afterward. He then went to six different psychologists and psychiatrists, finally 'finding his way,' as he told to Wiley in a story shared Sunday from his Brinx TV network. Related: Kenny Smith's Possible Replacement Floated by Former ESPN Host Ryen Russillo This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
