Fitness Guru Jacob Zieben-Hood’s Death Ruled a Homicide After Disturbing Texts to Family — What Authorities Now Say Happened
The tragic story of Jacob Zieben-Hood has left both his loved ones and the fitness community heartbroken. The 30-year-old fitness trainer, known for his upbeat energy and motivational presence online, was found dead inside his New York City apartment last week. Authorities have now ruled his death a homicide, revealing devastating new details about his final hours.
According to the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Jacob died from stab wounds, confirming what police suspected when they first arrived on the scene. The shocking discovery came just one day after Jacob sent a series of alarming messages and photos to his father, alleging that his husband, Donald Zieben-Hood, had attacked him. “He told us that he’d been beaten and cut,” a family member shared with People. “We were terrified. We didn’t know what to do from across the country.”
Those messages would be the last time Jacob’s family heard from him. When he didn’t respond to follow-ups, his father immediately contacted authorities for a welfare check. Police arrived at the couple’s apartment in Manhattan, where they found Jacob unresponsive. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. The NYPD quickly launched an investigation, treating the death as suspicious due to the evidence found inside the apartment.
Friends of the couple told investigators that the relationship had been troubled for some time. Neighbors described hearing heated arguments and loud noises in the days leading up to Jacob’s death. Despite those concerns, many who knew Jacob say he often tried to focus on positivity and his career. “He was the kind of person who always believed things would get better,” one friend said. “Even when things were rough, he found light in every situation.”
Jacob had built a loyal following through his online fitness programs, where he shared daily motivation, nutritional guidance, and mental health encouragement. His fans described him as “a force of nature” — someone who genuinely cared about helping others reach their best selves. “He had a contagious energy,” another client wrote. “It’s so hard to believe that someone who gave so much hope to others was suffering like this behind the scenes.”
As for the ongoing investigation, police have confirmed that they are continuing to question individuals connected to the case, though no arrests have been announced. Officials say forensic evidence and witness statements will be crucial to determining exactly what happened that night. The couple’s shared social media accounts have since been taken down as authorities work to preserve evidence.
Jacob’s family, who live in Texas, released a heartfelt statement expressing grief and gratitude for the outpouring of support. “Our hearts are shattered,” they wrote. “Jacob was full of life, compassion, and kindness. He deserved so much better. We’re grateful to everyone who’s reached out, and we’re praying for justice.”
Tributes have poured in from clients and friends across the country. Many have shared stories of how Jacob’s words helped them through difficult times — whether through a workout plan, a motivational post, or a simple message of encouragement. “He saved lives with his positivity,” one fan wrote. “Now the least we can do is make sure his story isn’t forgotten.”
The case remains under active investigation. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details, but the confirmation of homicide has only deepened the tragedy for everyone who knew Jacob. What stands out most from those remembering him is not the circumstances of his death, but the legacy of joy, health, and hope he brought to others — something that will outlast even the darkest of headlines.
