LOS ANGELES — Former NFL defensive lineman Kevin Johnson was found dead Wednesday morning at a homeless encampment in Southern California, authorities confirmed. He was 55 years old.
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Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded just before 8 a.m. to a report of an unconscious man in the Willowbrook area of Los Angeles. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Johnson suffered blunt head trauma and stab wounds. His death has been ruled a homicide, and investigators are treating the case as a criminal matter.
Authorities believe Johnson had been living at the homeless encampment and are asking anyone with information or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area to come forward as the investigation continues.
Friends said Johnson struggled with serious health issues later in life, which ultimately led to him living on the streets. Despite those challenges, they described him as a kind and positive presence who remained connected to his community.
Johnson was a Los Angeles native who played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders from 1995 to 1997. After leaving the league, he continued his football career in the Arena Football League with the Orlando Predators and the L.A. Avengers.[/read]