Warning: This article discusses s*icidal themes and talks of depression. Please be advised that this content may be distressing for some readers. Reader’s discretion advised.
Many people might not know who John Brenkus was. However, during the early 2000s, Brenkus was the go-to guy who would talk about sports and media coverage everywhere. Despite passing away at an early age, Brenkus has done a lot in terms of sports and the science behind it.
From hosting ESPN’s Sport Science to battling through every struggle that life threw his way, John Brenkus was one of the most active people to talk openly about his mental health struggles. With the recent passing away of Brenkus, the cause of death for the television host has been revealed.
John Brenkus died by s*icide
Despite the fact that John Brenkus was one of the most open people about his mental health, it seems like Brenkus was the one who needed help the most. The unfortunate passing away has shaken the world as people urge to check on your friends and family.
The celebrity was known for being the host of the iconic show Sport Science, where Brenkus delved deeply into the logic and science behind various sports and experimented with the players about potential scenarios and how to improve them.
The death of John Brenkus was announced recently on X when his family shared the news that Brenkus had passed away after a tough battle with depression (via TMZ Sports)
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.
Well, the Virginia Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, told TMZ Sports that John Brenkus’ death was caused by suicide as per their examination.
Despite being one of the most prolific celebrities to talk about mental health, John Brenkus had struggled a lot with his mental health throughout his life. Although he died by suicide on 31st May, this isn’t the first time that he had attempted to end his own life.
John Brenkus’ dog saved his life once
Being the creator and host of Sport Science, Brenkus was in love with his show. However, when the time came, he had to sell it to ESPN after a while. The host revealed that he was broken at that time.
Back in 2023, during an interview with ex-NFL player Marcellus Wiley, Brenkus opened up about the time he was at an all-time low after he had sold Sport Science to ESPN.
The celebrity, who revealed that it was one of the most terrifying phases of his life, stated that he even attempted to commit s*icide. It was his dog who ran up to him and saved his life.
I spiraled into a deep, deep depression, and I was flat-out suicidal. (He) came to my rescue… and in my suicidal funk, I was like: ‘What am I doing?’ I literally picked up my phone, called my mom and said: ‘There’s something wrong with me. I am mentally lost.’
The host detailed that he had a noose around his neck and was about to commit to the act when his dog came and repeatedly pawed at his leg to pull him away.
After a long and terrifying battle with depression and mental health, John Brenkus lost his life on 31st May 2025. The world mourns the death of this TV legend and urges to check up on people close to you.
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