Introduction

Eric Bolling was once a prominent figure at Fox News, a political commentator and host beloved by audiences for his bold and straightforward style. However, 2017 marked a tragic turning point in his life when a personal scandal and the death of his only son, Eric Chase Bolling, plunged him into a spiral of family tragedy and career collapse. From a man who seemingly had it all—a thriving career and a happy family—Bolling lost nearly everything, leaving behind a bitter lesson about the fragility of fame and happiness.

The Fox News Scandal and the Shock of Termination

In 2017, Eric Bolling was at the peak of his career, co-hosting The Five and leading Cashin’ In on Fox News. He was regarded as a prominent conservative star with a loyal audience. However, in August 2017, a Huffington Post article accused Bolling of sending inappropriate messages, including sensitive images, to at least three female colleagues at Fox News. The allegations quickly became a focal point of attention, especially as Fox News was already grappling with a series of sexual harassment claims involving major figures like Bill O’Reilly and Roger Ailes.

Bolling immediately denied the accusations, calling them “completely false” and pledging to cooperate with Fox News’ internal investigation. However, public and media pressure led to his suspension from work just days after the allegations surfaced. By September 2017, Fox News officially terminated Bolling’s contract, ending his more than decade-long tenure with the network. The incident was not only a severe blow to his reputation but also stripped him of a critical platform in his career.

Although Bolling later filed a defamation lawsuit against Huffington Post and the article’s author, the damage was irreversible. His public image was tarnished, and the scandal set the stage for the devastating events that followed.

Family Tragedy: The Death of Eric Chase Bolling

Just days after being fired from Fox News, Bolling faced an irreplaceable loss: his only son, Eric Chase Bolling, passed away on September 8, 2017, at the age of 19. According to a report from the Boulder County Coroner’s Office in Colorado, Eric Chase died due to an “accidental mixed drug overdose.” Substances found in his system included cocaine, marijuana, Xanax, fentanyl, and cyclopropyl fentanyl—two highly dangerous opioids.

Eric Chase, then an economics student at the University of Colorado, Boulder, was described as a bright, energetic, and promising young man. According to police documents obtained by The Blast, Chase had purchased drugs from an acquaintance in Denver on September 6 and 7, 2017. Some sources indicated that Chase panicked upon realizing he may have consumed a dangerous dose of fentanyl but was unable to seek help in time. His death was not only a personal tragedy but also sparked discussions about the opioid crisis in the United States, an issue Bolling later actively addressed.

Bolling and his wife, Adrienne, were devastated by their son’s passing. In a Twitter post on September 9, 2017, Bolling wrote: “Received heartbreaking news from the Colorado Coroner. Eric Chase died in an opioid-related accident. Adrienne and I thank everyone for their prayers and support. We must fight this national epidemic; too many innocent victims.”

Double Blow: Career and Family in Turmoil

The scandal and the death of his son delivered a “double punch” that shattered Eric Bolling’s life. Professionally, being fired from Fox News not only severed his primary income source but also isolated him within the media industry. Competitors and a segment of the public were quick to criticize him, with some even spreading malicious rumors. A painful incident shared on Twitter in 2019 revealed that a stranger insulted Bolling at a restaurant, claiming, “Eric Bolling’s son killed himself because he was ashamed of his father.” Although there was no evidence linking Chase’s death to his father’s scandal, such remarks left lasting emotional scars on Bolling.

On the family front, the loss of Eric Chase created an unfillable void in Bolling and Adrienne’s lives. The couple, who had enjoyed a stable marriage for over two decades, faced the anguish of losing their son and the pressure of public scrutiny. Adrienne, a private individual who rarely appeared in the media, was reportedly devastated by her son’s death. In later interviews, Bolling shared that he and his wife leaned on each other to navigate the darkest period of their lives.

The Road to Recovery and Advocacy for Opioid Awareness

Despite the tragedies, Eric Bolling refused to succumb to despair. After a period of silence, he began returning to media work, albeit on a smaller scale. In 2018, Bolling joined Sinclair Broadcast Group and hosted AMERICA This Week, an effort to reclaim his standing in the industry. He also actively used social media, particularly Twitter, to share political views and call for action against the opioid crisis.

Bolling became a passionate advocate for raising awareness about the dangers of opioids. He frequently mentioned Eric Chase in speeches and posts, emphasizing that his son’s death was a wake-up call for millions of American families. At an event hosted by First Lady Melania Trump in 2019, Bolling thanked her for addressing the “crisis next door”—a reference to drug abuse. He wrote on Twitter: “Thank you, First Lady @FLOTUS, for caring about the ‘crisis next door’ that has taken too many young lives, including my beloved Eric Chase Bolling. I still love you, son.”

Additionally, Bolling pursued book and media projects. His books The Swamp (2017) and Wake Up America (2016) garnered attention from conservative readers, helping him maintain a loyal fanbase. While he could not reclaim the prominence of his Fox News days, Bolling demonstrated remarkable resilience.

Lessons from Tragedy

Eric Bolling’s story serves as a reminder that fame and success can vanish in an instant. The Fox News scandal, though never fully substantiated, destroyed the image Bolling had built over years. The death of Eric Chase, a tragedy unrelated to the scandal, delivered the final blow, robbing him of what mattered most—his family.

Yet, Bolling’s journey also highlights the power of resilience. Instead of giving in, he chose to confront his pain, transforming it into motivation for a greater cause. Bolling’s fight against the opioid crisis is not only a way to honor his son but also an effort to prevent similar tragedies from befalling other families.

Conclusion

Eric Bolling, once a powerful television star, plummeted into the depths of tragedy when he lost his career and son within days. The Fox News scandal and Eric Chase’s death were inseparable events that defined a painful chapter in his life. While he could not reclaim what was lost, Bolling chose to move forward, turning his grief into action. His story is a testament to the fragility of life and the strength of human will in overcoming adversity.