Reports are circulating about the death of TV producer, director, and Sports Science creator John Brenkus, and many want to know the cause of it. Brenkus was the co-founder of the production company BASE Productions and served as its co-CEO. BASE Productions has created several hit programs for various networks, including Sports Science, which originally aired on FSN until Brenkus sold the show to ESPN.
Here’s everything you need to learn about the death of John Brenkus, including the cause and circumstances surrounding it.
John Brenkus cause of death explained
Brenkus died on May 31, 2025, at the age of 54 years old.
The announcement was made through his social media. “It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away.” The cause of John Brenkus’ death is said to be depression. “John, co-founder of BASE Productions, founder of Brinx.TV and co-creator and host of the 6-time Emmy Award-winning ‘Sport Science,’ had been battling depression,” the post reads. “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,” the post concluded.
Brenkus had previously spoken about his struggles with depression and a suicide attempt. During a candid conversation with Marcellus Wiley in June 2023, Brenkus said that after selling Sports Science to ESPN and while living in a cold mountain town, he dealt with depression and suicidal thoughts. One day, he came very close to committing the act, but his dog saved his life. He subsequently called his mother and admitted that something was wrong with him. He underwent what he described as “a battle” to get rid of his depression. He went to multiple psychologists and therapists until he found someone whose methods helped him.
Sports Science aired its first two seasons on FSN and Season 3 on ESPN. The latter network hasn’t aired any new episodes since Season 3. Instead, they put out Sports Science vignettes as part of their various programs. Brenkus is survived by his two children, Bryce and Arabella, and other members of his family.
Originally reported by Tamal Kundu on ComingSoon.net.
