:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1015x610:1017x612)/John-Brenkus-060325-6324de3745ab4b2f9116312bc8f95c7d.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1267&ssl=1 "‘Sports Science’ Host John Brenkus Died by Suicide, Says Medical Examiner: Report")
‘Sports Science’ Host John Brenkus Died by Suicide, Says Medical Examiner: Report
NEED TO KNOW
- 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 Brinx.TV 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 Brinx.TV website.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away. 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 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.”
Roy Rochlin/Getty
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 988lifeline.org 24/7.
