Premium Content:

What Happened to Scott Johnson?

Scott Johnson

Over twenty years ago Scott Johnson’s naked body was found at the bottom of a cliff in Sydney. Johnson had been out celebrating completing his PhD at Manly. The young mathematicians death was ruled a suicide but his family is not convinced.

- Advertisement -

Tonight’s episode of ‘Australian Story’ on ABC investigates the circumstances around Johnson’s death and his brothers persistence that the case be investigated again. Steve Johnson worked with American journalist Daniel Glick who is well known for his coverage of the Jon-Benet Ramsay case in the USA. After working with Glick, Steve Johnson was able to get new evidence suggesting that his brother may have been the victim of a gay hate crime.

Last year the NSW Coroner overturned the suicide verdict – and after an investigation reclassified the death as an open verdict. The NSW police are continuing to investigate the case.

Tune in to Australian Story on ABC1 tonight at 8pm for the episode ‘On The Precipice’.

Steve Johnson and Daniel Glick at the Manly Cliff Site. (ABC TV)
Steve Johnson and Daniel Glick at the Manly Cliff Site. (ABC TV)

Latest

On This Gay Day | Renee Richards was born on this day in 1934

Richards fought to play professional tennis as a transgender woman.

2025 Polari Prize cancelled following furor over John Boyne’s inclusion

Organisers say the awards will be 'paused' until 2026.

R U OK? encourages community and allies to check in any day

“These conversations matter and they’re often more welcome than we think."

Funding available through WA Government’s Regional Events Scheme

Applications are now open for the Cook Government's 2026-27 regional events support program.

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | Renee Richards was born on this day in 1934

Richards fought to play professional tennis as a transgender woman.

2025 Polari Prize cancelled following furor over John Boyne’s inclusion

Organisers say the awards will be 'paused' until 2026.

R U OK? encourages community and allies to check in any day

“These conversations matter and they’re often more welcome than we think."

Funding available through WA Government’s Regional Events Scheme

Applications are now open for the Cook Government's 2026-27 regional events support program.

Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine under investigation for alleged homophobic slur

The AFL are investigating claims a homophobic slur was used during Saturday's match.

On This Gay Day | Renee Richards was born on this day in 1934

Richards fought to play professional tennis as a transgender woman.

2025 Polari Prize cancelled following furor over John Boyne’s inclusion

Organisers say the awards will be 'paused' until 2026.

R U OK? encourages community and allies to check in any day

“These conversations matter and they’re often more welcome than we think."