David Jude Johnson, former Indian cricketer, met a tragic fall, after he tumbled over his home’s balcony on the fourth floor, in Kothanur, in Bangalore. As per the preliminary reports, the 52-year-old sportsman reportedly went to get some fresh air in his balcony, when the shocking incident took place. While investigation is still underway, the police hasn’t ruled out the possibilities of it being not an accident, but a suicide. As the nation bids adieu to such a talented individual, let us look back more closely into his life, career and several achievements, that he has left behind.
Born on October 17, 1971 in Arsikere, Hassan, David Johnson had shown an interest in sport of cricket right from an early age. After training, he played his debut Test match against Australia in 1996. He also played a second Test match for India the same year. Despite his prowess, David recorded only a short duration of international cricket career as a fast bowler. David’s notable feats during his very debut match was a clocking a supreme bowling speed of 157.8 km/hr.
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One of the key highlights of David Johnson’s career was during the period of 1995-96 Ranji Trophy season. The cricketer marked his best score, with a figure of 10 for 152 against Kerala. After that, he was roped in to be a part of the tour of South Africa, a match he played right after his debut. David, during his play, dismissed biggies like Brian McMillan and Herschelle Gibbs.
A primary reason behind making such a short career in International cricket was due to his alleged fitness inconsistencies, and fall of form in the game. It was also believed that his brief tenure on the international pedestal happened since he gradually lost his sense of control on the pitch and delivery. Thereafter, David stepped down from international game, but continued to play domestic cricket for Karnataka, wherein he gathered much more momentous fame than before. Eventually, he retired from the sport, and continued to coach and mentor young cricketers.
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Despite marking such a successful professional journey, not much is known about David Johnson’s personal life. According to a report in Deccan Herald, he was survived by his wife and two children, and was known to be a complete family man. After his retirement from professional cricket, David also ran a cricket academy near his house.
As David Johnson’s sudden demise has sent shockwaves across many cricket enthusiasts, a new report suggests that the former bowler battled with alcoholism in the last few years of his life. He was even sent off to a de-addiction centre in the city for curing himself out of the deadly habit. Last year, David even suffered from a serious viral infection, which weakened his body. Eminent cricket writer, Joseph Hoover, in a public statement, revealed how David was recently brought home from the hospital, after suffering from severe bouts of stomach pains. Joseph further revealed that David was even hallucinating a few days before his tragic death. He mentioned:
“He was hospitalised last week but he came back home three days ago. His wife informed me that he told her someone was coming at the windows and doors and calling for him, so they covered the windows with bedsheets; it was almost like he had a premonition."
Well, at around 10:30 in the morning on June 20, 2024, David Jude Johnson tumbled over the balcony of his home in Bangalore, located on the fourth floor. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was announced to be dead on arrival. The police and several investigating teams are scourging through the matter keenly in order to decipher whether the incident was an accident, suicide or if any foul play was involved. However, according to David’s wife, the cricketer apparently slipped and fell down from the balcony, after losing balance.
We wish all the strength to David Jude Johnson’s family!
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