Republican State Senator Seriously Hurt After Mower Falls into Empty Pool

Republican state Senator Johnnie Turner of Kentucky was critically injured when a lawn mower he was on fell into an empty swimming pool at his home, according to local authorities.
Kentucky State Police said Turner, 76, was riding the mower when it suddenly fell into the deep end of an empty swimming pool. The incident occurred late Sunday, with emergency services receiving a 911 call shortly before 8 p.m.
Turner, who represents multiple counties in eastern Kentucky, is in critical but stable condition at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.
Senate President Robert Stivers confirmed his status, saying that the senator’s family is asking for prayers for his “speedy recovery.”
“Sen. Johnnie Turner remains in critical but stable condition at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. I’ve been in touch with Johnnie’s family, who are with him at the hospital,” Stivers said in a press release.
Although the cause of the accident remains unclear, Turner was initially taken to a local hospital before being transferred to Knoxville for more specialized care. The details of his injuries have not been disclosed publicly.
Turner, an attorney for former U.S. Army medic who has represented District 29 in the state Senate since 2020, is a staunch advocate for Kentucky’s coal industry, which has faced significant declines in recent years because of economic shifts and environmental regulations.
He first gained his Senate seat after unseating a Democratic incumbent and recently overcame two challengers in the Republican primary, positioning himself for a reelection bid against an independent candidate in November.
According to his state Senate page, Turner was born on December 24, 1947, in Bledsoe, Kentucky. He graduated from Union College in 1974 and the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1977. He worked as an attorney for the Harlan County Public Schools and the city of Cumberland in addition to his private practice.
He was elected in November 2020 and took office on January 1, 2021. He has served on several committees, including the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee, Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee, and Senate Transportation Committee.
Newsweek has reached out to Turner’s office via email for comment.
Kentucky’s GOP-dominated Legislature prepares for its 2025 session as lawmakers are continuing to meet in interim committees to discuss key issues ahead of the upcoming 30-day session.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.