Bengaluru: Former Team India and Karnataka fast bowler David Jude Johnson passed after a fall from the balcony of his fourth-floor apartment here on Thursday.
The 52-year-old Johnson was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him brought dead.
According to police, Johnson is believed to have committed suicide. An unnatural death report (UDR) has been filed at Kothanur police station, reported The Indian Express.
Johnson’s body was sent to Ambedkar Medical College Hospital for post-mortem.
Johnson, survived by his wife and three children, had been unwell due to alcohol addiction.
He had reportedly joined a de-addiction centre around six months ago for alcohol-related issues, Deccan Heral reported quoting a senior police officer from the northeast division of Bengaluru City Police.
Johnson, who used to bowl at express pace, played two Test matches in 1996 – against Australia and South Africa – and captured 3 wickets.
He made headlines for clocking 157.8 kmph in his Test debut against Australia at Delhi’s Ferozeshah Kotla.
Johnson, who was a contemporary of Jawagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad, also played 39 first-class matches, taking 125 wickets, and 33 List A games (41 wickets).
The sudden death of Johnson, who had been running a cricket academy near his home, sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity.
Among those who expressed condolences were former India Test captain and bowling great Anil Kumble.
“Saddened to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon ‘Benny’!” Kumble wrote in X.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar paid tribute to Johnson.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of my former teammate, David Johnson. He was full of life and never gave up on the field. My thoughts are with his friends and family,” Tendulkar posted in X.
