Top politician dies after driving ride-on lawn mower into empty swimming pool

A rural politician known for his support for the coal industry has died after plunging into a swimming pool at his home

Last week, a top politician suffered serious injuries after driving his ride-on lawn mower into a swimming pool at his home.

But after a week receiving treatment in hospital, Senator Johnnie Turner has tragically died.

The Kentucky state rural politician was known as a staunch supporter of the coal industry and other causes in his rural mountain district. But succumbed to his injuries from the accident where he fell into an empty swimming pool while on a lawn mower at his home in Appalachia.

The Republican legislator has been remembered for his charming manner that won over constituents and colleagues alike, and was said to have gone through a "hard-fought battle" with injuries from the accident, as stated by Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers on Wednesday. "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."

He praised Turner's unwavering commitment to the people of eastern Kentucky, whom he fondly referred to as 'his people'. US Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell remembered crossing paths with Turner back in his home state while assessing damage from flooding that affected parts of eastern Kentucky.

"Johnnie was on the scene, ankle-deep in mud, his equipment from home in tow, ready to help folks in Letcher County," McConnell said in a statement on Wednesday. He described Turner as a good man who loved the mountains and its people, reports the Mirror US.

Turner, a lawyer by profession, made waves in 2020 when he secured a seat in the state Senate, toppling a Democratic incumbent who shared his surname.

He emerged victorious against two contenders in this year's Republican spring primary. Tragically, Turner's demise comes just before the election, and according to the secretary of state's office, his name will still be listed on the general election ballot.

Turner's sole opponent in November, an independent candidate, has recently backed out from the race. The deadline for write-in candidates to declare their intent to run is fast approaching – this Friday.

In office, Turner pushed for pro-coal legislation and other measures aimed at restoring long-lost jobs to what was once coal country, spanning several counties in eastern Kentucky.

Coal employment was once the backbone of the eastern Kentucky economy, but it fell sharply over the last decade as cheaper natural gas prices and tougher environmental regulations prompted electric providers to move away from buying coal. This led to Republican Turner looking well beyond his district to bring money into the Bluegrass State, including backing controversial gambling legislation.

That measure secured the legal status of betting on slots-style historical racing machines, a lucrative revenue source for racetracks. It was said to be a tough vote for Turner, who represented a socially conservative district. But even on horse racing, it was coal that influenced his view.

Kentucky Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer said that Turner's death was heartbreaking. "He was just an amazing man of the mountains, who is kind and generous and open-minded about supporting initiatives that were good for the entire state, while at the same time being a fierce advocate for his region."

"He told me that he saw what happened to the coal industry in eastern Kentucky and he didn't want to see another leading industry - in this case the horse industry - have the same thing happen to it," Thayer said. "I really appreciate his courage on that."

Turner served in the Kentucky House from 1999 to 2002. House Speaker David Osborne said Wednesday that Turner was an "ardent champion and passionate voice for eastern Kentucky."

"We are saddened by his loss, but know that his legacy will live on in those he helped," Osborne remarked.