Investigation underway after ex-NFL star is found dead near homeless encampment
Police in Los Angeles have launched a homicide investigation after the body of NFL star Kevin Johnson was found near a homeless encampment in the city.
The former Philadelphia Eagles star was found on January 21 and appeared to have suffered from injuries consistent with stabbing and blunt force trauma, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's records.
Preliminary investigations into the tragedy seem to indicate that Johnson, 55, was himself homeless and had been living at the camp.
Lt. Steve De Jong issued a statement with an update on the police investigation, saying: "Unfortunately, it appears he was homeless. It looks like he was probably living there."
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The Los Angeles Police Department has now issued an appeal for anyone with information about what happened to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation into the tragedy.
Friends of Johnson spoke to ABC News and said that poor health led to him being forced to live on the streets.
One man, Bruce Todd, gave a heartbreaking tribute, saying: "He was my best friend. I was [the] best man at his wedding. He was a great guy, fun-loving. The community is going to miss him."
NBC Sports reports that no charges have been filed. The police investigation into Johnson's death is ongoing.
Johnson started his football career playing for Los Angeles Harbor College, and then transferred over to Texas Southern.
In the 1993 draft, he was selected by the New England Patriots with the 86th overall pick, though he was released in August of that year.
But that was far from the end of his career, as the Philadelphia Eagles selected him for the 1995 season.
Over the course of 11 games, he had six sacks, 19 tackles, as well as a fumble recovery, which returned for a touchdown in a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Johnson returned to the Eagles the following year, 1996, recording one sack and 14 tackles over 12 games, and was released in December.
He went on to play for the Oakland Raiders before moving into the Arena Football League. There, he played for the Orlando Predators, leading them to a championship in 1998.
In 2001, he finished his seven-year career with the Los Angeles Avengers.
Football fans have posted moving tributes to Johnson on social media after it was confirmed that he had died, as one person wrote: "Man, what's a legend. Eagle spread his wings and flew higher than ever. Rest easy legend."
A second posted: "RIP to former #Eagles DT Kevin Johnson. He played two seasons for the Eagles in 1995 and 1996."
Meanwhile, a third said: "Saddened to learn of the passing of former Eagles defensive tackle Kevin Johnson."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Kit Roberts