What happened to John Brenkus? Emmy-winning creator of 'Sports Science' dies at 54

John Brenkus, a television personality, producer, director, and host of the series Sports Science, passed away on May 31, 2025, according to Fox11. The news came out as the announcement of his death was made on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

The announcement also said that John was battling depression and had lost the fight to it. Brenkus had been vocal about his struggle with his mental health in the past and had also openly discussed having suicidal thoughts and depression.

Brenkus was well known for creating reality TV series for channels including Spike and ESPN.

More on what happened to John Brenkus

John Brenkus, who will be remembered for his innovative approach to sports broadcasting, breathed his last on May 31, his family announced, attributing his years-long battle with depression. He was 54 years old at the time of his death.

The announcement read:

''It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away. John...has been battling depression. John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31, 2025.''

It concluded with his family requesting privacy and encouraging anyone suffering from the illness to seek help. Sports Science, the show that John hosted, which blended science and athletics, came out in 2007 and has been a hit among sports lovers ever since. It won many Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Graphic Design and Outstanding New Approaches in Sports Programming.

John also worked on creating reality series for the National Geographic channel. The series he worked on included Fight Science and Super Strength. He founded his own media production company, Brinx.TV. in 2013, and he also had his own podcast, The Brink of Midnight.

John once spoke about a suicide attempt in an interview on Brinx.TV's Never Shut Up with Marcellus Wiley in 2023, as per Men's Journal. In the interview, he recalled a harrowing incident. He had said that after he sold Sports Science to ESPN in 2010, he fell into a profound depression wherein he felt lost and had become suicidal.

He then said that during this dark phase, he tried committing suicide. He had a noose tied to his neck and was about to go with it when his dog came and interrupted him. That made him stop and seek help. He then sought help from doctors and therapists for his condition.

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His experience with mental health had resonated with many, and he often spoke about his struggles to tell people that mental health struggles can happen to anyone and encouraged them to seek help.

Following the announcement of John's death, tributes poured in from his fans, followers, athletes, and broadcasters across the sports industry.

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