Former Indian cricketer David Johnson has died after falling from the balcony of his fourth-floor apartment. Investigations are underway to determine whether the case was a case of suicide, a police official said on Thursday. He was 52 and leaves behind his wife and two children. According to information currently available, Johnson, who ran a cricket academy near his house, was not well recently. “We were informed that he fell from the fourth floor of his residential building. He was rushed to a hospital but doctors declared him brought dead,” a Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) official told PTI.
A police official said the death was under investigation.
“It is believed that 52-year-old David Jude Johnson fell from his residence at Kanaka Sri Layout in Kothanur, raising suspicions of suicide,” a police official said.
In his prime, Johnson, who played two Tests and 39 first-class matches, was a member of an impressive Karnataka bowling side that also included Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad and Dodda Ganesh.
“This is shocking news because we have played together for a club called Jai Karnataka since our days as tennis and cricket players,” Ganesh, also a former Indian pacer and long-time friend of Johnson, told PTI.
Ganesh fondly remembered their time together on the field.
“Later we played together for the state and the country. This Karnataka bowling attack was the bowling attack of India for a long time.”
“In fact, six members from this state, including Rahul Dravid, were in the India squad at the same time. I doubt any other state has managed that,” Ganesh said.
Legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble expressed his condolences on the death of his former teammate.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of my fellow cricketer David Johnson. My deepest condolences to his family. ‘Benny’ gone too soon,” Kumble wrote on X.
Jay Shah, secretary of BCCI, also conveyed his condolences to the grieving family.
“Deepest condolences to the family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His service to the game will always be remembered,” Shah wrote on X.
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