ESPN star John Brenkus’ cause of death has reportedly been revealed.
The Virginia Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed on Tuesday, June 3, that Brenkus died by suicide at the age of 54, according to a report from TMZ.
Us Weekly has reached out to the medical examiner’s office for comment.
The Sport Science host’s death was announced in a statement shared via social media on Sunday, June 1, which noted that he had suffered from depression.
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“It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away,” the statement read. “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, shared via Brenkus’ X account, continued, “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 was also shared on Sunday by Brinx TV, a media production company founded by Brenkus.
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Sport Science premiered on Fox Sports in 2007 before being picked up by ESPN in 2010. Exploring the hard facts behind remarkable sporting feats, including long drives by golfers and quad flips by snowboarders according to The New York Times, the TV program saw Brenkus and his team solving “sports’ biggest myths and mysteries by using cutting-edge technology.”
Often airing on ESPN’s SportsCenter, the show remembered its host in a segment that aired on Sunday. “John Brenkus was an innovator, an entertainer and an educator,” a tribute said. “He will be missed by many.”
In the days following news of Brenkus’ death, former colleagues and members of the sporting world shared their own tributes via social media.
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“This is incredibly sad,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote via X. “John was so good at what he did. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, John.”
“I’m so incredibly sad to learn of the passing of John Brenkus,” NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry wrote via X. “I did an episode of Sport Science back in the day and we remained friends. The ultimate professional, he was kind, encouraging, smart and inventive. This is awful. RIP John Brenkus.”
During a January 2023 episode of Brinx TV’s Never Shut Up, Brenkus opened up to host Marcellus Wiley about a past suicide attempt after falling into a “very deep depression.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. https://988lifeline.org/
