The son of Eric Bolling, the former Fox News host released this week amid allegations of sexual harassment, died Friday night at the age of 19.
The news was broken by Yashar Ali, the journalist who had reported that Bolling had sent lewd texts to colleagues at the network and who Bolling had targeted in a defamation lawsuit.
TMZ reported Saturday afternoon that Eric Chase Bolling’s cause of death was suicide.
“We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Eric Bolling’s son,” a Fox News spokesperson said in a statement. “Eric Chase was a wonderful young man and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bolling family.”
Bolling tweeted about the death Saturday afternoon, saying he and his wife Adrienne are “devastated by the loss” and that details of their only child’s death are “still unclear.”
Adrienne and I are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Eric Chase last night. Details still unclear. Thoughts, prayers appreciated.
— Eric Bolling (@ericbolling) September 9, 2017
In a follow-up note, he said: “Authorities have informed us there is no sign of self harm at this point. Autopsy will be next week. Please respect our grieving period.”
Authorities have informed us there is no sign of self harm at this point. Autopsy will be next week. Please respect our grieving period.
— Eric Bolling (@ericbolling) September 9, 2017
Several members of the media community tweeted out their condolences throughout the day, including Sean Hannity, a prime-time host at Fox News.
@ericbolling To my dear friend, please know we all love you, will be here for you and your family.
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) September 9, 2017
Just heard that Fox colleague and friend @ericbolling 19 yr. old son died; Prayers for Eric and family.
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) September 9, 2017
Fox News had confirmed Friday that it was parting ways with Bolling and canceling his show, “The Specialists.”
Bolling has denied the accusations of harassment and pledged to clear his name.
