State Senator Johnnie Turner from Kentucky, who was critically injured after his lawn mower fell into an empty swimming pool, is making progress in his recovery. The lawmaker was able to sit upright and communicate on Tuesday and continued to improve on Wednesday according to Dustin Isaacs, a spokesman for the Republican supermajority in the Kentucky Senate. Turner is still in the ICU and experiencing some pain, but there has been positive progression in his condition.

The incident occurred on Sunday when Turner, a Republican from Harlan, drove his mower into the deep end of his home’s pool according to Kentucky State Police. The details surrounding the cause of the accident have not been disclosed. Turner was initially taken to a local hospital and later transferred to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. Senate President Robert Stivers has requested prayers for Turner’s speedy recovery on behalf of his family.

Turner, who also works as an attorney, represents multiple counties in eastern Kentucky. He was elected to the state Senate in 2020, defeating a Democratic incumbent with a similar name. Turner emerged victorious in the Republican primary in May, and he faces an independent candidate in the upcoming November election. Prior to his time in the Senate, Turner served in the Kentucky House from 1999 to 2002.