FIRED FOX HOST’S SON FOUND DEAD
Tragedy hours after dad got ax in sex rap
FORMER FOX News host Eric Bolling’s 19-year-old son died Friday night hours after the network axed his father amid sexual harassment allegations.
Eric Chase Bolling was found dead in Boulder, Col., where he was studying economics at the University of Colorado, according to reports published Saturday.
Boulder police said the cause of death was still under investigation.
Responding to multiple reports citing suicide, Eric’s father tweeted that authorities told the family “there is no sign of self harm at this point.”
“Autopsy will be next week. Please respect our grieving period,” Bolling added in the tweet.
Earlier in the day, Bolling confirmed the death of his only son with wife Adrienne.
“Adrienne and I are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Eric Chase last night,” Bolling tweeted. “Details still unclear. Thoughts, prayers appreciated.”
The death came amid an already brutal period for Bolling who was accused of sending unsolicited photos of his genitalia to three female colleagues.
Fox News suspended the 54-year-old host in early August after the publication of a HuffPost story detailing the allegations.
The network announced Friday that it cut ties with Bolling, a 10-year network veteran and co-host of ‘The Specialists,” after conducting a probe into the claims.
“Fox News Channel is canceling ‘The Specialists,’ and Eric Bolling and Fox have agreed to part ways amicably,” the network said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “We thank Eric for his 10 years of service to our loyal viewers and wish him the best of luck.”
The younger Bolling’s death, first reported by HuffPost reporter Yashar Ali, prompted Fox News to release a new statement less than 24 hours after its original.
“We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Eric Bolling’s son,” it said.
“Eric Chase was a wonderful young man and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bolling family.”
Bolling has denied the sexual harassment allegations and filed a $50 million lawsuit against Ali, the HuffPost reporter who broke the story.
Condolences poured in on social media Saturday.
“@ericbolling To my dear friend, please know we all love you, will be here for you and your family," Fox News host Sean Hannity wrote on Twitter.
“This is incredibly sad. Just heartbreaking for this family. Deepest condolences,” MSNBC’s Joy Reid said.
Gov. Mike Huckabee also sent his support. “Just heard that Fox colleague and friend @ericbolling 19 yr. old son died; Prayers for Eric and family.”