State Senator Involved in Serious Accident

Kentucky State Senator Johnnie Turner has been seriously injured after a terrible accident at his home.

At a Glance

Kentucky State Sen. Johnnie Turner was critically injured in a lawn mower accident.
Turner was reported to be in critical but stable condition at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
The cause of the accident remains undisclosed.
Turner has a distinguished career in Kentucky politics.
Prayers were requested for Turner’s recovery.

Accident Information and Current Condition

Kentucky State Senator Johnnie Turner has been critically injured after driving his lawn mower into the deep end of an empty swimming pool at his home on Sunday evening. The incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. and was reported to the Kentucky State Police at 7:58 p.m. Emergency services, including troopers, the Sunshine Fire Department, and Lifeguard EMS, responded to the scene. Senator Turner was initially taken to a local hospital before being transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.

Authorities have not disclosed the cause of the accident, and details about his injuries have not been released. Turner was reported on Monday, September 16 to be in critical but stable condition, with his family by his side at the hospital. His family has requested prayers for his recovery.

Kentucky State Sen. Johnnie Turner was injured after the lawn mower he was riding dove into an empty swimming pool at his home. https://t.co/OV62nTCgz8

— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) September 16, 2024

A Look at Johnnie Turner’s Career

Senator Turner, a Republican and an attorney by profession, was elected to the Kentucky State Senate in 2020, representing multiple counties in eastern Kentucky. Previously, he served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002. Turner was born on December 24, 1947, in Bledsoe, Kentucky, and has a background as an attorney and former U.S. Army medic. He graduated from Union College in 1974 and the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1977.

Turner unseated a Democratic incumbent to gain his Senate seat and recently won the Republican primary for reelection. He has served on several Senate committees, including Banking and Insurance, Judiciary, Natural Resources and Energy, and Transportation. As a strong supporter of the coal industry, Turner has been a critical advocate for his district, which has seen a decline in coal-related employment.

Response

Fellow lawmakers have expressed their concern and support for Turner’s recovery. State Representative Adam Bowling said, “Our prayers are with Senator Turner, his family, and medical team. I am grateful they were able to stabilize his condition and hopeful that the strength and determination that make him an incredible advocate for his district will also lead to a speedy recovery and full healing.”

Kentucky Senate President Robert Stiver has also kept the public updated on Turner’s condition and passed on the family’s request for prayers. The Kentucky legislature, dominated by the GOP, will commence its 2025 session in January, with interim committees currently meeting to prepare for the session.