Kentucky Senator Johnnie Turner dies weeks after jumping into an empty swimming pool with a lawn mower | American news

An American politician died weeks after riding a lawn mower into an empty swimming pool.

Senator Johnnie Turner of Kentucky died Tuesday at the age of 76 after being injured at his home about a month ago.

On September 15, he was apparently mowing his yard when the riding mower fell into an empty swimming pool.

At the time, a group representing Kentucky’s Republican senators said he was in “critical but stable condition” after the accident.

Local media said he drove into the deep end of the pool.

The Lexington Herald Leader news station said Mr Turner had begun to recover and even completed his initial physiotherapy examination in the weeks after the incident.

However, despite a “tough battle” with his injuries, he died this week.

With the election so close, Turner’s name will still appear on the ballot, but his only challenger dropped out early, giving write-in candidates until Friday to file for the seat.

Otherwise, special elections will be necessary.

In a statement, Kentucky President Robert Stivers said: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Senator Johnnie Turner on Tuesday evening, following a hard-fought battle with injuries sustained in his recent accident.

“In recent weeks, his remarkable determination and strength have filled the Turner family – and all of us – with optimism, making this loss all the more difficult to bear.

“This loss is deeply personal to me, as I knew Johnnie long before our paths crossed in public office. I will miss my friend; my heart breaks for his wife, Maritza, and his children.”

Read more from Sky News:
Tarzan actor Ron Ely has passed away
LeBron James and son play together
Top Gun: Maverick instructor dies in plane crash

Mr. Turner spent time in the U.S. Army and in the Kentucky House of Representatives before becoming a senator in 2020, and also worked in his private legal practice.

As a politician, Mr. Turner was known for his staunch support of the coal industry and other causes in his Appalachian district.

Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Stay up to date with the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell recalled crossing paths with Turner while back in his home state to survey flood damage to parts of eastern Kentucky.

“Johnnie was on the scene, ankle deep in mud, with his gear from home in tow, ready to help people in Letcher County,” McConnell said in a statement.

“That’s just who he was: a good man who loved the mountains and the people.”

Others described Mr Turner as a “man of the mountains” and said he had a legacy that “lives on in those he helped”.

Another senator described Mr Turner as an “avid British sports fan” and said he represented thousands of miners and injured workers during his legal career.