GOP State Lawmaker Passes Away From Injuries Sustained In Freak Accident – Name Will Still Appear On Ballot

A Republican state lawmaker passed away one month after a freak accident where he rode his lawn mower into an empty swimming pool.

Johnnie L. Turner, a Kentucky state senator, died Tuesday evening due to his injuries sustained in the September incident.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Sen. Johnnie Turner’s passing Tuesday evening, following a hard-fought battle with injuries sustained in his recent accident,” Senate President Robert Stivers said in a statement, according to Fox News.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the unexpected passing of State Sen. Johnnie L. Turner yesterday evening following a tragic accident at his home in Harlan on Sept. 15. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Maritza, and the entire Turner family. Sen. Turner dedicated his life to helping others—whether through his service in the U.S. Army, his work in Kentucky’s General Assembly, or his private legal practice,” the Republican Party of Kentucky said.

“Known as the ‘Legal Lion of the Mountains,’ he was a tireless advocate for southeastern Kentucky’s working men and women. His work earned him deep respect across the region, and his countless contributions to the Commonwealth will not be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues, his community, and all whose lives he touched,” it added.

We are heartbroken to learn of the unexpected passing of State Sen. Johnnie L. Turner yesterday evening following a tragic accident at his home in Harlan on Sept. 15. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Maritza, and the entire Turner family.

Sen. Turner dedicated his life… pic.twitter.com/vAjP3Sn7tA

— Republican Party of Kentucky (@KYGOP) October 23, 2024

Per Fox News:

In a Facebook post, state Sen. Phillip Wheeler noted that Turner was a generous person.

“Johnnie was fervent Christian, which was demonstrated by his great generosity. Simply put, Johnnie was one of the most generous people I have ever met,” Wheeler wrote. “Rest easy dear friend and rejoice in the presence of the Lord. Your work here is done.”

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also shared his thoughts about Turner.

“I remember crossing paths with Johnnie to survey the damage left by the devastating floods that hit Eastern Kentucky,” McConnell recalled in a statement. “Johnnie was on the scene, ankle-deep in mud, his equipment from home in tow, ready to help folks in Letcher County. That’s just who he was: a good man who loved the mountains and its people.”

“With his death coming so close to the election, Turner’s name will appear on the general election ballot, the secretary of state’s office said,” CBS News noted.

The outlet noted write-in candidates have until Friday to file for the seat.

Otherwise, a special election will be needed to fill the seat.

With his death coming so close to the election, Turner’s name will appear on the general election ballot, the secretary of state’s office said. https://t.co/niqhNxpsJc

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 24, 2024

CBS News reports:

Turner pushed for pro-coal legislation and other measures aimed at uplifting his Appalachian district, spanning several counties in eastern Kentucky. Coal employment, once the backbone of the eastern Kentucky economy, fell sharply over the last decade as cheaper natural gas prices and tougher environmental regulations prompted electric providers to move away from buying coal.

In August, CBS affiliate WYMT interviewed Turner about his fight to keep the coal industry operating.

“This government trying to kill the coal industry it ain’t going to happen in Kentucky it just ain’t going to happen,” Turner told the station.

But Turner looked well beyond his district to back measures benefiting the rest of the Bluegrass State, Thayer said, pointing to Turner’s support for a high-stakes horse racing bill a few years ago. That measure secured the legal status of wagering on slots-style historical racing machines, a lucrative revenue source for racetracks. It was a tough vote for Turner, who represented a socially conservative district.

“He told me that he saw what happened to the coal industry in eastern Kentucky and he didn’t want to see another leading industry — in this case the horse industry — have the same thing happen to it,” Thayer said. “I really appreciate his courage on that.”

Turner served in the Kentucky House from 1999 to 2002. House Speaker David Osborne said Wednesday that Turner was an “ardent champion and passionate voice for eastern Kentucky.”

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