Former Indian cricketer David Johnson. File | Image credit: The Hindu Archives
Former Indian cricketer David Johnson, 52, died after falling from the fourth-floor balcony of his apartment in Kothanur on June 20. He leaves behind his wife and two children.
He sustained serious injuries and was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital, where he was pronounced dead, said Kothanur police, who visited the accident spot.
A senior police official said that investigations are underway to ascertain whether the deceased jumped to end his life or fell accidentally. They have filed a report of unnatural death.
David Johnson hails from Arasikere, Hassan district. He was a bowler who played for Karnataka and made his international debut in 1996. He played only two Test matches for the Indian national team. He also played in the Karnataka Premiere League tournament.
Former Bengaluru cricketer Anil Kumble took to social media to express his condolences over his death. “Saddened to hear of the passing of my fellow cricketer David Johnson. My deepest condolences to his family. Gone too soon ‘Benny’!” he posted on X.
“We were informed that he had fallen from the fourth floor of his residential building. He was taken to a hospital but doctors declared him brought dead,” the KSCA official said. PTI.
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,” said cricketer Ganesh, also a former Indian pacer and long-time friend of Johnson. PTI.
He fondly remembered their time together on the field.
“Later we played together for the state and the country. That Karnataka bowling attack was the bowling attack of India for a long time.
“In fact, six members of the state, including Rahul Dravid, were in the India squad at the same time. I doubt any other state has managed that,” the cricketer said.
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 contribution to the game will always be remembered,” Mr Shah wrote on X.
(With inputs from PTI)
Persons in distress or with suicidal tendencies can seek help and counselling on the following numbers: Arogya Sahayavani – 104; Sneha – 044- 24640050