The untimely death of former NFL player Kevin Johnson is currently under investigation as a homicide, according to recent reports.

Johnson, aged 55, was discovered deceased near a homeless encampment in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department initiated a homicide investigation after the county medical examiner concluded that Johnson had died from blunt force trauma and stab wounds, as first reported by TMZ.

“Unfortunately, it appears he was homeless,” stated Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Steve De Jong in an interview with Newsweek. “It looks like he was probably living there,” he added, highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death.

No further details have been released at this time regarding the ongoing investigation.

Kevin Johnson, known for his imposing presence as a defensive tackle, was initially drafted by the New England Patriots in 1993. However, he made his professional debut in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. Johnson played two seasons with the Eagles before spending a season with the Oakland Raiders. He later transitioned to the Arena Football League, where he played two successful seasons with the Orlando Predators, culminating in a championship win in 1998, and a season with the Los Angeles Avengers.

Hailing from Southern California, Johnson attended Westchester High School in Los Angeles. He furthered his education and football career at Los Angeles Harbor College before transferring to Texas Southern University in Houston, where he continued to excel on the field.