Former Indian cricketer David J Johnson, 53, tragically fell to his death from the fourth floor of his apartment building near Byrathi in the Kothanur police station limits, northeast Bengaluru, on Thursday. Preliminary investigations by the police suggest that Johnson may have died by suicide, although his family suspects it was an accidental fall.
Born on October 16, 1971, in Arsikere, Hassan, Johnson was a right-arm fast-medium bowler and a right-hand batsman. He represented India in two Test matches in 1996 and was a significant contributor to Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy-winning teams in the 1990s.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-East), Laxmi Prasad, stated, “Johnson fell to his death from the fourth-floor balcony. A case of unnatural death has been registered, and the investigation is ongoing from all possible angles.”
A senior police officer added that Johnson was residing in a five-floor apartment in Kanakashree Layout with his wife and children. The incident occurred around 11:30 am after Johnson informed his wife, Ilya, that he needed to speak with the building’s security guard. While allegedly smoking on the balcony, Johnson fell to his death.
Apartment security guard Dammar Shahi reported that a resident alerted him about someone falling from an upper floor. Shahi found Johnson in a pool of blood and immediately informed Ilya. Despite rushing Johnson to the hospital, he was declared dead on arrival due to severe head injuries.
The Kothanur police were alerted, and teams were dispatched to the hospital and the incident site. “It appears Johnson may have jumped, but we are considering the possibility of an accidental fall. The balcony’s side wall and grill are around four feet high,” an officer stated. No suicide note was found, but Johnson’s phone is being examined. Family members mentioned that Johnson, who had struggled with alcoholism and spent time in rehabilitation, had been depressed over various issues, including his health.
Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble expressed his sorrow, saying, “Saddened to hear of the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon, ‘Benny’!”
Johnson’s cricket career, though brief at the international level, included taking three wickets in two Test matches for India in 1996. Domestically, he excelled, claiming 125 wickets in 39 first-class appearances for Karnataka. One of the highlights of his career was clocking a bowling speed of 157.8 km/h during a Test match against Australia.
