Jennifer Eckhart, a former Fox Business associate producer, has died by suicide at 36.
She became known for her 2020 rape lawsuit against former Fox News anchor Ed Henry.
Jennifer Eckhart became widely known after her 2020 lawsuit against former Fox News anchor Ed Henry
Eckhart’s death comes six years after she filed a high-profile lawsuit involving Henry and Fox News.
According to TMZ, Eckhart died in Florida. A representative for the Martin County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed her death. Law enforcement sources told the outlet that authorities investigated the case as a suicide.
While working at Fox News Media’s Fox Business Network, Eckhart filed a high-profile lawsuit against Henry in 2020. She alleged that Henry had sexually assaulted her while they worked at the network. The former producer also accused Fox News of failing to protect her.
Henry denied the allegations and maintained that their relationship was consensual. Fox News fired Henry in July 2020 after receiving Eckhart’s complaint. The network also conducted an internal investigation, according to TMZ and CBS News.
Eckhart had previously spoken publicly about how afraid she was while working at the outlet. Speaking to CBS News, she said, “It’s safe to say I was paralyzed by fear when I was working there.” She also said she felt Henry had the power “to derail me, to destroy me, to ruin my career.”
In March 2025, U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams granted summary judgment in the case. The ruling noted that the news outlet could only be held responsible for Henry’s alleged conduct if management knew or should have known about it. The judge found that Eckhart had not established that Fox had such knowledge.
Eckhart and Henry settled the claims one day before the scheduled civil trial. Henry’s attorney said, “This matter has been resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the parties, and the parties are moving on with their lives.”
Outside the courtroom, Eckhart focused on supporting trauma survivors through The Reinvented Project and her podcast. After settling with Henry, she told People, “I turned pain into purpose.”
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
