Former Indian cricketer David Johnson, aged 52, tragically died after falling from the fourth-floor balcony of his apartment in Kothanur on June 20. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Johnson sustained severe injuries from the fall and was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital, where he was declared “brought dead,” according to the Kothanur Police.
A senior police official stated that an investigation is underway to determine whether the fall was accidental or an intentional act. An unnatural death report has been filed.
Hailing from Arsikere in the Hassan district, David Johnson was a bowler who played for Karnataka and made his international debut in 1996. He represented Team India in only two Test matches and was also active in the Karnataka Premier League tournament.
Former cricketer Anil Kumble expressed his condolences on social media, writing, “Saddened to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon, ‘Benny’!”
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) confirmed the incident, stating, “We were informed that he had fallen from the fourth floor of his apartment building. He was taken to a hospital, but the doctors declared him dead.”
In his prime, Johnson played two Tests and 39 First-Class matches, and was a member of a formidable Karnataka bowling unit that included Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, and Dodda Ganesh.
Cricketer Dodda Ganesh, a former Indian pacer and Johnson’s long-time friend, shared his shock at the news. “It is shocking news as we had played together from our tennis cricket days for a club called Jai Karnataka,” he said. “Later we played together for State and the country. That Karnataka bowling attack was the Indian bowling attack for a long time. In fact, six members from the State, including Rahul Dravid, were in the India squad at the same time. I doubt any other state has managed that feat.”
Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, also extended his condolences, stating, “Deepest condolences to family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His contributions to the game will always be remembered.”
