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John Brenkus, the co-creator and former host of the FOX Sports Net and ESPN television series Sports Science, has died at the age of 54 following a long battle with depression, according to a statement shared on his official social media accounts Sunday (June 1).
"It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away," the statement reads. "John, co-founder of Base Productions, founder of Brinx.TV, and co-creator and host of the 6-time Emmy Award-winning Sports Science, had been battling depression. 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.
Brenkus was candid about his battles with depression over the years, telling Marcellus Wiley, who he partnered with at his Brinx.TV streaming platform, that he attempted suicide before his dog saved him during an interview in January 2023 and was an advocate for mental health care.
"RIP @johnbrenkus_," Wiley wrote in a post shared on his X account, re-sharing the statement confirming Brenkus' death, on Sunday.
Sports Science initially debuted on FSN in 2007 and moved to ESPN for its third and final season in 2010. The show, which explored the science and engineering of athletics, was nominated for nine Sports Emmy Awards and won three during its first two seasons.