John Brenkus, the Emmy-winning creator and host of ESPN’s “Sports Science,” has died at age 54. His death occurred on May 31, 2025, and was confirmed by his family and multiple official reports. The Virginia Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, determined that Brenkus died by suicide after a prolonged battle with depression.
Brenkus was open about his struggles with mental health, having previously discussed his experiences with depression and a prior suicide attempt in public interviews. He credited his dog and the support of mental health professionals for helping him through earlier crises, but ultimately, his family stated he “lost his fight with this terrible illness”.
Brenkus was widely celebrated for making science accessible to sports fans, hosting nearly,800 segments that explored the intersection of athletics and physics. His passing has prompted tributes from colleagues and fans, who remember him as an innovator and educator who inspired many.
