A freak lawn mower accident claims the life of a state senator.

Mitch McConnell, the Senate minority leader, characterized Turner as a "good man who cherished the mountains and its inhabitants."

A freak lawn mower accident claims the life of a state senator.
A freak lawn mower accident claims the life of a state senator.

On Tuesday, Kentucky state Sen. Johnnie Turner, a Republican, passed away, as Senate President Robert Stivers announced in a statement on behalf of the Senate Majority Caucus.

We regret to inform you that Sen. Johnnie Turner passed away on Tuesday evening after a battle with injuries sustained in a recent accident.

The Associated Press reported that Turner, who passed away at 76, sustained injuries last month when he fell into an empty swimming pool while operating a lawn mower.

Kentucky state Sen. Johnnie Turner
Kentucky state Sen. Johnnie Turner (Kentucky General Assembly)

Johnnie devoted his life to uplifting others, whether through his service in the U.S. Army, his roles in the State House of Representatives and State Senate, or his private legal practice. His unwavering commitment to the people of Eastern Kentucky, whom he considered his constituents, brothers and sisters in Christ, was the driving force behind everything he did.

In a Facebook post, Sen. Phillip Wheeler pointed out that Turner was known for being generous.

Kentucky state Sen. Robert Stivers
Kentucky state Sen. Robert Stivers (Kentucky General Assembly)

"Johnnie was a devoted Christian, as evidenced by his remarkable generosity. In fact, he was one of the most generous individuals I have ever encountered," Wheeler stated. "Rest in peace, dear friend. Your mission on earth has been completed."

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

Sen. Mitch McConnell
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., concludes a news conference in the U.S. Capitol after the senate luncheons on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

"McConnell remembered encountering Johnnie during a flood survey in Eastern Kentucky. Johnnie was there, ankle-deep in mud, with his equipment from home, ready to assist those in Letcher County. Johnnie was a kind man who cherished the mountains and its inhabitants."

by Alex Nitzberg

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