Kentucky State Senator Johnnie Turner tragically passed away on Tuesday after battling injuries sustained in an unusual accident where he drove his lawnmower into an empty pool.
Turner, 76, had been fighting for his life for several weeks following the incident, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The accident occurred in mid-September, and despite medical treatment, Turner’s condition worsened, leading to his passing.
Johnnie Turner, a dedicated public servant and a U.S. Army veteran, had been serving in the Kentucky State Senate since 2021. Before that, he represented his community in the Kentucky State House from 1999 to 2003. Known for his commitment to Eastern Kentucky and his deep connection to the people of his district, Turner’s passing marks a significant loss for the state and for those who knew him.
The accident that led to Turner’s death took place on September 16. According to the Kentucky State Police, Turner was operating a lawnmower when he accidentally drove into the deep end of an empty swimming pool.
The authorities received a 911 call shortly before 8 p.m. that evening, and emergency responders arrived on the scene to assist. Turner was initially taken to a local hospital but was later transferred to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he received further treatment.
At the time of the accident, Kentucky State Police had not provided details about what caused Turner to drive into the pool. While the incident was tragic, no foul play was suspected. For several weeks, Turner remained hospitalized as his family and friends hoped for his recovery. However, on Tuesday, October 10, Turner’s fight came to an end.
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers shared the heartbreaking news of Turner’s passing in a press release issued by the Senate Majority Caucus. “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,” Stivers wrote. “Over the past weeks, his remarkable resolve and strength filled the Turner family—and all of us—with optimism, making this loss all the more difficult to bear.”
Stivers went on to offer a personal tribute to Turner, highlighting their long friendship. “This loss is deeply personal to me, as I have known Johnnie long before our paths crossed in public office. I will miss my friend; my heart breaks for his wife, Maritza, and his children. The love and admiration I, along with so many others, feel for Johnnie is immense, but I know it pales compared to the depth of love held by those closest to him.”
Turner’s life was one of service, both in the military and in public office. After serving in the U.S. Army, Turner dedicated himself to the people of Eastern Kentucky. His legislative career was marked by a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of his constituents. In addition to his time in the state legislature, Turner was a lawyer and a passionate advocate for his community.
Stivers emphasized Turner’s dedication, stating, “Johnnie spent his life lifting others—whether through his service in the U.S. Army, as a member of the State House of Representatives and State Senate, or in his private legal practice. His unwavering commitment to the people of Eastern Kentucky—his constituents, brothers and sisters in Christ, whom he so fondly referred to as ‘his people’—was at the heart of everything he did.”
Turner was running for re-election at the time of his death. Having won the Republican primary earlier in the year, his name will remain on the ballot for the upcoming election, as it is less than two weeks away. This development leaves uncertainty regarding the election results and what the next steps will be for Turner’s district.
The passing of Johnnie Turner has sent waves of grief throughout Kentucky’s political landscape. Tributes from fellow lawmakers and citizens alike have poured in, with many remembering Turner as a man of integrity, dedication, and deep compassion. His colleagues in the Kentucky Senate praised his work ethic and the respect he commanded from both sides of the aisle.
As Kentucky mourns the loss of one of its respected public servants, the focus now shifts to honoring his legacy. Turner’s contributions to the state, especially Eastern Kentucky, will be remembered as his family, friends, and community come to terms with his untimely passing.
