John Brenkus was more than just the Emmy-winning host of Sport Science—he was a husband, a father, and a man who fought a quiet battle behind the spotlight. His sudden passing on May 31, 2025, at 54, left fans heartbroken, but it also shone a light on the family he cherished and the struggles he faced. Let’s dive into the life he built with his wife, Lizzie, their two kids, and the challenges they weathered together.
Lizzie Brenkus: The Woman Behind the Man
John and Lizzie Brenkus weren’t just partners in life—they were creative soulmates. Married in 2004, their love story was anything but ordinary. Lizzie, an artist, entrepreneur, and endurance athlete, brought her own spark to their relationship. She wasn’t just the supportive wife in the background; she was the lead singer of their band, Brink of Midnight, which they formed in 2014.
Their musical journey began by accident—John was messing around on his guitar one day when Lizzie walked by and effortlessly belted out a harmony in perfect key. Turns out, she had classical training from her days performing with the Long Beach Opera Company. That moment sparked a creative partnership that went beyond music—they even co-hosted a podcast together.
Also Read: Josh Allen’s Huge $70M+ Net Worth and $58M Salary in 2025
But life wasn’t all jam sessions and holiday singles (yes, their Christmas track “Christmas Is My Favorite Time of Year” actually charted). Behind the scenes, John was fighting depression, a battle that eventually took his life. Lizzie stood by him through it all, even as the weight of his struggles became heavier.
Prayers up for John Brenkus and his family 🙏🏾
The man who gave us the Emmy Winning Sports Science lost his battle with depression at the age of 53. pic.twitter.com/QSxjh0U4ub— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 2, 2025
In 2021, court records show they briefly faced divorce proceedings in Fulton County, Georgia, though the details remain private. Whether they reconciled or navigated the challenges as a team, their bond was clearly more complex than what fans saw on the surface.
Bryce and Arabella: The Kids Who Meant Everything
John and Lizzie’s two children, son Bryce and daughter Arabella, were the centers of their world. The family lived in Park City, Utah, where they balanced creativity with adventure—think impromptu jam sessions and outdoor escapades. John often shared how fatherhood grounded him, even during his darkest moments. In a 2023 interview, he revealed that his dog once stopped him from attempting suicide, a moment that forced him to seek help. It’s heartbreaking to think that, despite his love for his kids, depression still won in the end.
The Brenkus household was full of life, but it wasn’t immune to struggle. John’s openness about his mental health was rare for a public figure, especially in the sports world. He didn’t hide his pain, and in doing so, he gave others permission to speak up. His family’s statement after his death didn’t just mourn his loss—it urged anyone battling depression to seek help, turning their grief into a call for awareness.
A Legacy Beyond the Spotlight
John Brenkus, the co-creator and host of ESPN’s Sports Science, has died at the age of 54, Brinx TV announced in a statement Sunday. pic.twitter.com/n0OSXYKDUZ
— ESPN (@espn) June 2, 2025
John Brenkus left behind a legacy of innovation (hello, Sport Science), but his real impact was the love he had for his family. Lizzie, Bryce, and Arabella were his anchors, even when the waves got too rough. His story is a reminder that behind every public figure is a person—flawed, fighting, and fiercely human.
Check Out: Hailee Steinfeld’s Impressive $25 Million Net Worth in 2025
If there’s one thing to take from John’s life, it’s this: creativity and love can coexist with pain, but no one should have to fight alone. His family’s courage in speaking out might just be his most enduring legacy.
