Kentucky Senator Dies From His Wounds After Freak Lawnmower Accident [WATCH]

Kentucky State Senator Johnnie Turner has passed away following a tragic accident that occurred last month.

Turner, 76, was severely injured on September 15 when he drove a ride-on lawnmower into the deep end of an empty swimming pool outside his home in Baxter, Kentucky.

After weeks of battling his injuries, Turner’s family confirmed that he passed away earlier this week.

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Further details surrounding the accident have not been released, but it is known that Turner was riding the lawnmower when it fell into the pool.

He was initially taken to a nearby hospital and later airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville for further treatment.

In the wake of his death, tributes have poured in from across the state.

Senate President Robert Stivers shared his sorrow, noting that Turner’s strength during his hospitalization had provided hope for his family and colleagues. “Over the past weeks, his remarkable resolve and strength filled the Turner family – and all of us – with optimism, making this loss difficult to bear,” Stivers said.

We are devastated to say we lost our dear friend, Johnnie Turner, Tuesday evening.

The following is a statement from Senate President Robert Stivers on behalf of the Senate Majority Caucus. pic.twitter.com/ZHMEYXYWpV

— KY Senate Majority (@KYSenateGOP) October 23, 2024

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also paid tribute, recalling working with Turner on flood recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky.

McConnell described Turner as “a good man who loved the mountains and its people,” emphasizing his commitment to his community.

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

Turner’s political career began in 1998 when he was first elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives.

Despite losing his seat in 2001 due to redistricting, Turner later made a successful run for the Kentucky Senate in 2020.

In addition to his legislative service, Turner had a long career as an attorney, earning the nickname “Legal Lion of the Mountains” for his advocacy on behalf of working-class Kentuckians.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Turner’s family highlighted his pride in his military service.

They shared that he met his wife, Maritza, while stationed in Panama and that the couple later settled in Kentucky, where they built a life together.

Turner’s death comes just weeks before the November election, and his name will still appear on the ballot, as the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office has confirmed.

Initially, Turner faced an independent challenger, but that candidate dropped out of the race, leaving him unopposed.

Write-in candidates have until Friday to file for the seat. Should Turner be posthumously elected, a special election will be required to fill his seat for the upcoming legislative session in January.

Throughout his time in the legislature, Turner was a strong supporter of coal and energy initiatives, often speaking out against government regulations that he believed were harming Kentucky’s coal industry.

In his last interview, conducted in August, Turner vowed to continue fighting against what he saw as threats to the coal industry.

Turner’s passing leaves a significant void in Kentucky politics, and he will be remembered for his dedication to his community and his service to the state.

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