A little over a week ago, I hopped on the phone with Eli Johnson. An early morning phone call with an Ole Miss football player in March should be discussing spring football or the upcoming Grove Bowl, but instead, it was much more somber.

Johnson’s father, David, was one of the first confirmed coronavirus cases in Lafayette County. At the time, it was a serious conversation, but one of optimism and hope. Johnson and his siblings couldn’t go see their father, but they could talk to doctors and get him on the phone.

Now nearly a week later, David Johnson is not doing well at all. At 48-years-old, David works as a sportswriter covering Ole Miss football and softball for 247Sports. So yes, I know David, and I can honestly say it’s heartbreaking that this is happening to him. David Johnson is one of the nicest, most caring people I have ever met in the industry.

When I moved to Oxford nearly two years ago, David was one of the first people on the beat who ever introduced himself to me, offering any help I would need. I ran into him with his family around this time last year at a friend’s pool. We sat and talked like we hadn’t only known each other 8 months or so at the time.

The last handful of days have been tough. According to a post from his daughter, Sydney, doctors found fluid in David’s lungs. The treatment to clear that up significantly damaged his kidneys. Publicly, that was the last update since April 1.

Right now, the family is just asking for prayer. They’re maintaining optimism, but the realities of the situation are hitting close to home. David is literally one of the best people I’ve met in Oxford, and one of the hardest to see this happen to. All well wishes and prayers in his direction and the direction of the entire Johnson family are encouraged.

The Oxford Eagle staff sends our thoughts and prayers to David Johnson and his family, and all who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, during this trying time in our nation.