Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek publicly confirmed Monday that former Fox Business producer Jennifer Eckhart died by suicide at her Hobe Sound home Saturday morning, directly addressing conspiracy theories that had suggested she was murdered.
Budensiek said he usually does not comment on suicides but decided to speak publicly about Eckhart's death to address the conspiracy theories. Investigators spent extensive time at the scene and investigated the death as if it was a homicide, he said. All evidence points to suicide, and the case remains open pending toxicology results.
Eckhart was a podcaster and former associate producer at Fox Business who gained notoriety after accusing a Fox News anchor of raping her. Investigators said she had family and friends who tried to help her, but she had been in and out of mental health facilities and had stopped taking her medications.
Elizabeth Burrows, director of development and communications with 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast, emphasized the tragedy of suicide and encouraged those struggling to seek help. Anyone in crisis can call 211 or 988, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide resources or someone to talk to. Burrows said asking someone about suicide does not make it more of a risk. Asking about it lets that person know they are not alone, she said.