LOUISVILLE, Ky. — U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell issued a statement Wednesday after the sudden death of Kentucky Sen. Johnnie L. Turner, calling him a friend of his and his wife's.
Turner, 76, was involved in a lawn mower accident at his home Sept. 15. He died Tuesday from his injuries.
McConnell's full comments are below:
“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.”
According to Kentucky State Police, Turner was injured when he drove his lawn mower into the deep end of an empty swimming pool. Colleague and state Sen. Phillip Wheeler announced Turner's death Wednesday on Facebook, and said it was due to his injuries.
Kentucky Senate Republicans said Sept. 25 Turner was making progress in the hospital in ICU, and even completed his first physical therapy session.
Turner served in the House from 1999 until 2002. He was elected to the Senate in 2021.
Turner represented Senate District 29, which includes Bell, Floyd, Harlan, Knott and Letcher counties.