FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State Senator Johnnie Turner, a prominent advocate for the coal industry in his Appalachian community, has passed away following a home accident that occurred last month. The incident involved Turner falling into an empty swimming pool while riding a lawn mower. He was 76 years old.
Turner, a Republican from Harlan, was well-regarded for his approachable demeanor, which resonated with both his constituents and peers in the legislature. He died on Tuesday evening after a prolonged struggle with injuries resulting from the mishap, as announced by Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers in a statement released on Wednesday.
“Johnnie dedicated his life to uplifting others, whether through his service in the U.S. Army, his tenure in both the State House and State Senate, or his legal career,” Stivers remarked. “His relentless dedication to the people of eastern Kentucky—whom he lovingly referred to as ‘his people’—was the foundation of all his endeavors.”
Kentucky Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer expressed his sorrow over Turner’s passing, calling it an emotional loss.
“He was an incredible man from the mountains—kind, generous, and supportive of initiatives that benefited the whole state while fiercely advocating for his own region,” Thayer said in a Wednesday interview.
Throughout his career, Turner championed pro-coal legislation and advocated for policies that aimed to improve conditions in his Appalachian district, which encompasses multiple counties in eastern Kentucky. Despite the decline of coal, once the cornerstone of the local economy, due to factors like the rise of natural gas and stricter environmental regulations, Turner remained a staunch supporter of the coal sector.
However, Turner also recognized the importance of supporting other key industries in Kentucky. Thayer highlighted Turner’s backing of a significant horse racing bill from a couple of years ago, which legalized wagering on historical racing machines—an important revenue stream for the state’s racetracks. This vote was particularly challenging for Turner, given the socially conservative nature of his district.
“He told me he witnessed the fallout from the decline of the coal industry and wanted to ensure that the horse industry didn’t face the same fate,” Thayer added, expressing his admiration for Turner’s bravery in taking a stand on such issues.
Turner began his political journey in the Kentucky House, serving from 1999 to 2002. House Speaker David Osborne remembered Turner as a “passionate advocate for eastern Kentucky.”
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Johnnie, but his impact will continue through the many lives he touched,” Osborne stated.
After winning his Senate seat in 2020 by defeating a Democratic incumbent, Turner was re-elected in a Republican primary earlier this year, overcoming two challengers.
With the upcoming election fast approaching, Turner’s name will still appear on the general election ballot, as confirmed by the secretary of state’s office. Write-in candidates have until the end of this week to submit their declarations, but otherwise, a special election will be necessary to fill Turner’s vacant seat.
As Kentucky’s predominantly Republican legislature gears up for its 2025 session in January, lawmakers are currently convening interim committees to review various issues in anticipation of the upcoming 30-day session.