Jennifer Eckhart, a former Fox Business Network associate producer who later hosted a podcast about personal reinvention, was found dead in her Florida home on Saturday, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. She was 36.
Deputies on Sept. 19 responded to a residence on Southeast Hawks Nest Court in Hobe Sound after Eckhart’s mother contacted authorities, according to a Martin County Sheriff’s Office incident report obtained by NTD News.
Her mother told the agency that she had arrived at the residence, entered the home, and found her daughter dead in the bathroom connected to the primary bedroom.
A Martin County Fire Rescue paramedic pronounced Eckhart dead at 11:57 a.m. The paramedic told a responding deputy that Eckhart was found in a bathtub with a severe wound to her neck, and that a folding pocketknife was near her right hand.
The deputy reported seeing blood spatter near Eckhart’s head and a large wound on the front of her neck.
The medical examiner’s office was contacted, a crime scene was established, and the investigation was turned over to detectives. The responding deputy also reported that a body-worn camera was activated during the response.
Sheriff John M. Budensiek said investigators concluded that the death was consistent with suicide and found no evidence that another person was involved, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office to NTD News.
“Normally, the Sheriff’s Office does not issue public statements regarding deaths by suicide out of respect for the privacy of the individuals involved and their families,” Budensiek said. “In this case, we understand there may be questions, and we want to provide some clarity.”
“Our investigators conducted a thorough investigation into this death, and the circumstances were determined to be consistent with suicide. There is no information indicating that anyone else was involved,” Budensiek said.
“This is an extremely difficult and painful time for the family, and we ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve,” Budensiek said. “Our thoughts remain with them during this difficult time.”
Eckhart joined Fox in 2013 and went on to work as an associate producer for Fox Business Network.
After her time at Fox, Eckhart created “REINVENTED,” a podcast that included conversations with figures in business, sports, and entertainment. The series explored how its guests responded to adversity and reshaped their careers or personal lives. Its most recent episode was released in March.
Editor’s Note: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the United States is available by calling or texting 988.
