British engineer found dead in Mumbai hotel while working on IPL cricket coverage
John William Langford, 76, was found unconscious in his room at the five-star Trident Hotel in Mumbai’s Nariman Point.
A British engineer working on Indian Premier League cricket coverage has been found dead in a hotel room in Mumbai.
The five-star Trident Hotel in Mumbai’s Nariman Point found John William Langford, 76, unconscious in his room. Mr Langford was working with the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The broadcast engineer reportedly returned to his room after the Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders match at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.
But when repeated calls to his room went unanswered the next day, worried hotel staff went to check on him. Upon receiving no response, the staff reportedly used the master key to gain entry, where they found him lying on the floor.
John William Langford’s death in a room at the five-star Trident Hotel in Mumbai’s Nariman Point is at the centre of the investigation. (Image: booking.com)
The hotel’s in-house doctor was called before the Briton was taken to hospital and declared dead.
The IPL Governing Council issued a statement saying: “The IPL Governing Council and all stakeholders involved express our deepest condolences on the untimely passing of Mr Ian Williams Langford, a dedicated broadcast engineer who was an integral part of our broadcast operations. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
“The IPL is committed to providing all necessary support and assistance to Mr Langford’s family during this incredibly difficult time. The health, safety and overall security of every member involved remain of the utmost importance to the smooth operation of the IPL.”
Mr Langford was working with the Board of Control for Cricket in India to cover the IPL T20 tournament (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“The hotel receptionist tried to contact him and called his room but got no response. They waited and decided to check on him later. He was taken to the city’s Bombay Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead,” said senior police officer Nilesh Bagul of the Marine Drive police station.
Mr Bagul confirmed that the British High Commission had been informed and Mr Langford’s son had been contacted. A decision regarding bringing back the body will be made after the results of the viscera report are available.
Police have registered a report of accidental death at Marine Drive police station and an investigation is now underway. Officials said they found nothing suspicious or any evidence of foul play in his post-mortem. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of death.
A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said, “We supported the family of a British national who has died in India and we are in contact with local authorities.”
