Former Indian team cricketer David Johnson, 52, fell to his death from the fourth-floor balcony of his flat at an apartment in Kothanur on Thursday (20). He is survived by his wife and two children.

He had sustained severe injuries and was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital, but was declared “brought dead,” Kothanur Police who visited the spot said.

A senior police official said that investigation was underway to ascertain whether the deceased had jumped to end his life or fell accidentally. They have filed an unnatural death report.

Hailing from Arsikere, Hassan District, David Johnson was a bowler who played for Karnataka and made his international debut in 1996. He played for India in only two Test matches and was also active in the Karnataka Premier League tournament.

Former cricketer from Bengaluru Anil Kumble took to social media to offer his condolences. “Saddened to hear [of] the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt 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 apartment building. He was taken to a hospital, but the doctors declared him ‘brought dead,’” a Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) official told PTI.

In his prime, Johnson, who played two Tests and 39 first-class matches, was the member of a formidable Karnataka bowling unit that also featured Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, and Dodda Ganesh.

“It is shocking news as we had played together from our tennis cricket days for a club called Jai Karnataka,” Ganesh, also a former Indian pacer and Johnson’s long-time friend, told PTI.

He fondly recalled their time together on the field.

“Later we played together for the 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,” said the cricketer.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah too extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

“Deepest condolences to family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His contributions to the game will always be remembered,” Shah wrote on X. 

(Source: Agencies)