Kentucky lawmaker dies after falling into empty pool while riding lawn mower

A Kentucky state senator is dead a month after suffering injuries in a lawnmower accident.

Johnnie Turner, a Republican who represented a district in eastern Kentucky, died Tuesday evening after a “hard-fought battle,” Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers said in a statement. He was 76.

Turner's injuries occurred Sept. 15 when he fell while riding a lawn mower into the deep end of an empty pool, officials said.

“His remarkable determination and strength filled the Turner family — and all of us — with optimism in recent weeks and made this loss difficult to bear,” Stivers wrote. “I will miss my friend; my heart breaks for his wife Martiza and his children.”

Kentucky State Police previously reported that the lawn mower fell into the deep end of an empty swimming pool. Turner was taken to a nearby hospital and later flown to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.

Turner has represented Eastern Kentucky's District 29 since 2021 and was previously a state representative from 1999 to 2002. Outside the state legislature, Turner was a lawyer and previously served as a medic in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969.

“Johnnie was truly one of the most fascinating people I have ever known,” State Senator Phillip Wheeler wrote in a social media post. “His friendship is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell recalled clashes with Turner as they surveyed flood damage in eastern Kentucky in a statement to the Associated Press.

“Johnnie was on the scene, ankle-deep in mud, his equipment from home in tow, ready to help the people of Letcher County,” said McConnell, who also represents Kentucky. “That’s exactly what he was: a good man who loved the mountains and their people.”

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also expressed his condolences.

“The UK and I are saddened by the news of the death of Senator Johnnie Turner,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “We extend our condolences and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

After his opponent withdrew from the race, Turner ran unopposed for re-election. Turner's name will continue to appear on the ballot, the secretary of state told the Associated Press. Unless write-in candidates file for the seat by Friday, a special election will be held to fill the seat.

This story has been updated to add video.

Kentucky lawmaker dies after falling into empty pool while riding lawn mower

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