HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. — Kentucky Sen. Johnnie L. Turner died Tuesday from injuries sustained more than a month after a tragic lawnmower accident.
Turner was injured Sept. 15 when he drove a mower into the deep end of an empty swimming pool at his home, Kentucky State Police said at the time.
According to fellow Eastern Kentucky state Sen. Phillip Wheeler, Turner's death was the result of injuries sustained in the accident.
Turner served in the House from 1999 until 2002. He was elected to the Senate in 2021.
Turner represents Senate District 29, which includes Bell, Floyd, Harlan, Knott and Letcher counties.
He won the May 2024 primary and was running unopposed for the November 2024 election. He was 76 years old when he died.
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said in a statement that Turner "lived his life for others":
“Elaine and I were saddened to hear of the passing of our friend, Senator Johnnie Turner. Throughout his service to Kentucky and the nation – in the U.S. Army, the State House, and the State Senate, representing Eastern Kentucky’s communities – Johnnie lived his life for others. In recent years, I remember crossing paths with Johnnie to survey the damage left by the devastating floods that hit Eastern Kentucky. 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. We send our condolences to the entire Turner family, Johnnie’s colleagues in the Senate, and all those touched by his service.”
The Floyd County Kentucky Republican Party released a statement on Turner's passing:
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and beloved State Senator, Johnnie L. Turner. Johnnie was a true champion for Senate District 29, a steadfast advocate for our Republican values, and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. We are forever grateful for Senator Turner’s service to the 29th District and ask for your prayers for his family and friends in the coming days. Rest easy, Senator Turner."
Kentucky State Senator Phillip Wheeler reacted to Senator Turner’s death on Facebook:
Attorney General Russell Coleman released the following social media post on Turner's death:
The Republican Party of Kentucky also released a statement:
"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.
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."