Frankfort, Kentucky — A Kentucky senator who was badly injured when his lawn mower crashed into an empty swimming pool has made progress in his recuperation, a legislative spokesperson said Wednesday.
State Sen. Johnnie Turner was able to sit upright and converse on Tuesday and continued to recover Wednesday, according to Dustin Isaacs, a spokesperson for the Kentucky Senate’s Republican supermajority.
“While he is still in the ICU and some pain, we are grateful for this positive development,” Isaacs said in a statement.
Turner, a Republican from Harlan, was hurt Sunday after he drove his mower into the deep end of his pool at home, according to Kentucky State Police. No information was supplied as to what caused the mishap.
Turner was first taken to a local hospital before being moved to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. His family has asked for prayers for his “speedy recovery,” according to Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers.
Turner, an attorney, serves several counties in eastern Kentucky. He was elected to the state Senate in 2020, defeating a Democratic incumbent with a nearly identical name. Turner overcame two competitors in the Republican primary in May and will face an independent candidate in the November election. Turner previously served in the Kentucky House, from 1999 to 2002.
Source