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Messages of condolences are pouring in after the Tuesday evening death of a sitting Kentucky State Senator Johnnie Turner from injuries he suffered in a lawn mower accident at his home last month.

Turner, 76, a Republican from Harlan, suffered critical injuries due to the Sept. 15 incident, when the lawn mower he was riding ran into an empty swimming pool.  He was taken to the University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville, where he passed away.

Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said in a statement, “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.

“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.”

Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, noted on Facebook, “Johnnie served in the legislature twice. He served in the House from 1999-2002 where he focused on bringing infrastructure to Harlan County and mitigating the harsh workers’ compensation law passed by Governor Patton in 1996. Johnnie’s second period of legislative service began when he was elected to the Kentucky State Senate in 2020. He quickly established himself as a voice on public education and justice issues and was a tenacious advocate for the poor and disadvantaged.”

House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, said, “On behalf of the Kentucky House of Representatives, I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Senator Johnnie Turner. Johnnie will be greatly missed, and his loss will be felt throughout the halls of the Kentucky State Capitol where he served his constituents and Commonwealth so well. A committed public servant, Johnnie was an ardent champion and passionate voice for Eastern Kentucky.”

In a post on X, Gov. Andy Beshear said, “Britainy and I are saddened by the news of Sen. Johnnie Turner’s passing. We send our condolences and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell offered his condolences in a statement:

“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.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been set.