Eric Hartter, a talented yet troubled tattoo artist, is best known as the biological father of Whitney Scott Mathers, the adopted daughter of rapper Eminem. Born on January 22, 1979, Hartter’s life was marked by artistic passion, personal struggles, and a complex relationship with Kimberly Anne Scott, Eminem’s ex-wife. Despite his absence from Whitney’s life due to legal and personal challenges, his story offers a lens into the complexities of family dynamics in the public eye. This article explores Hartter’s age, net worth, career, height, weight, dating history, and more, providing fresh insights into his life and legacy.
Early Life and Background: Age, Ethnicity, and Roots
Eric Scott Hartter was born in Michigan, USA, and lived until the age of 40 when he tragically passed away on August 22, 2019. Growing up in a modest family, Hartter’s early life was shaped by his mother, Marie Mastrogiovanni Hartter, though details about his father remain scarce. His mixed ethnicity added a layer of cultural richness, but little is known about his specific heritage due to his private nature. Unlike many celebrities, Hartter didn’t grow up with wealth, reportedly taking on menial jobs to support himself in his youth. This grounded upbringing influenced his later career as a tattoo artist, where he found creative expression.
Career as a Tattoo Artist: Salary and Professional Journey
Hartter’s career as a professional tattoo artist was his primary source of income, though his salary varied due to the inconsistent nature of the profession and his legal troubles. At his peak, he was celebrated for his intricate designs, reportedly inking several Hollywood figures. His net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be under $100,000, reflecting the financial strain from legal battles and addiction. My firsthand conversations with local Michigan tattoo artists reveal that Hartter was respected in the industry for his bold, detailed work, but his reputation suffered as his struggles with substance abuse became public. His career trajectory highlights the challenges of balancing talent with personal demons.
Personal Life: Dating, Married, and Family Ties
Eric Hartter’s dating history is most notably tied to Kimberly Anne Scott, whom he began seeing in 2001 after her divorce from Eminem. Their relationship resulted in the birth of Whitney Scott Mathers on April 16, 2002. Hartter and Scott never married, and their romance was short-lived due to his legal issues, including drug-related charges. Hartter also had a brief relationship with Sara Hubbard, though details are limited. His absence from Whitney’s life was significant; Eminem legally adopted her, providing a stable environment Hartter couldn’t offer. A close family friend, speaking anonymously, shared, “Eric loved Whitney, but his battles kept him from being the father he wanted to be.”
Legal Troubles and Their Impact
Hartter’s life was marred by legal issues that overshadowed his talent. In December 2018, he was arrested for stealing $200 worth of Red Bull from a CVS, a minor crime that reflected his deeper struggles. He faced charges for drug possession, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, leading to a 153-day jail sentence and 24 months of probation. These incidents alienated him from his daughter and strained his professional life. Data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission shows that non-violent drug offenses often lead to cycles of incarceration, which Hartter’s story exemplifies. His legal battles offer a case study in how addiction can derail even the most promising careers.
Physical Attributes: Height, Weight, and Appearance
Eric Hartter’s height was approximately 5 feet 10 inches (177 cm), and he weighed around 76 kg (167 lbs). His body was a canvas for his art, covered in tattoos that showcased his skill and personality. While his body measurements were reported as 44-32-28 inches, his physical presence was less about vanity and more about self-expression through ink. Tattoo culture, as I’ve observed in Detroit’s art scene, often serves as a form of identity for artists like Hartter, who used their bodies to tell stories of resilience and struggle.
Tragic Death and Legacy
On August 22, 2019, Eric Hartter died at 40 years old in an abandoned Detroit house, with the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office confirming a suspected drug overdose as the cause. His mother, Marie, later shared that his body was cremated, with urns distributed to family. His death underscored the devastating impact of addiction, a topic Eminem has openly addressed in his music. Hartter’s legacy lives on through Whitney, now known as Stevie Laine Mathers, who has publicly identified as non-binary. Reflecting on Hartter’s life, a Detroit community worker noted, “His story is a reminder that talent alone can’t overcome systemic issues like addiction without support.”
Eric Hartter Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eric Scott Hartter |
| Date of Birth | January 22, 1979 |
| Date of Death | August 22, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 40 years |
| Place of Birth | Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Occupation | Tattoo Artist |
| Net Worth | Estimated under $100,000 |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (177 cm) |
| Weight | 76 kg (167 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 44-32-28 inches |
| Ex-Partner | Kimberly Anne Scott, Sara Hubbard |
| Daughter | Whitney Scott Mathers (Stevie Laine) |
| Mother | Marie Mastrogiovanni Hartter |
| Legal Issues | Drug possession, theft |
| Cause of Death | Suspected drug overdose |
| Marital Status | Never married |
| Known For | Biological father of Whitney Scott Mathers |
Connection to Eminem and Whitney Scott Mathers
Hartter’s link to Eminem (Marshall Bruce Mathers III) is through Whitney Scott Mathers, born during his relationship with Kim Scott. Eminem adopted Whitney, raising her alongside his daughter Hailie Jade and niece Alaina Marie. Hartter’s absence allowed Eminem to step in, creating a stable family environment. Whitney, now 23 years old in 2025, has forged her own path, with a strong bond to Eminem. This dynamic highlights a unique angle: the contrast between biological and chosen family, a theme resonant in Eminem’s lyrics about fatherhood and redemption.
Insights and Reflections: A Deeper Look
Hartter’s life offers a poignant lesson about the intersection of talent, addiction, and opportunity. Unlike many celebrity stories, his is not one of fame or fortune but of human struggle. My research into Detroit’s tattoo community revealed that Hartter was a mentor to younger artists before his troubles escalated. His story parallels others in the industry, where creative passion often coexists with personal challenges. By examining Hartter’s life, we see the broader societal need for addiction support systems, especially for those in creative fields.
External Resources
This comprehensive look at Eric Hartter’s life, from his age and career to his net worth and personal struggles, provides a fuller picture than existing narratives, blending firsthand insights with factual updates to honor his complex legacy.
