A Kentucky state senator who suffered critical injuries after his riding lawn mower plunged into an empty swimming pool is showing signs of recovery, according to a legislative spokesperson.
State Senator Johnnie Turner was able to sit up and communicate on Tuesday, with continued improvement on Wednesday, according to Dustin Isaacs, spokesperson for the Republican supermajority in the Kentucky Senate.
“Though he remains in the ICU and is experiencing some pain, we are thankful for this positive progress,” Isaacs said in a statement.
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The incident occurred on Sunday when Turner, a Republican from Harlan, drove his mower into the deep end of the pool at his home, according to Kentucky State Police. No additional details were provided about the cause of the accident.
After being taken to a local hospital, Turner was transferred to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. His family has asked for prayers for his “speedy recovery,” said Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers.
Turner, an attorney, represents several counties in eastern Kentucky. He was elected to the state Senate in 2020 after defeating a Democratic incumbent with a nearly identical name. In May, Turner won the Republican primary against two challengers and is now facing an independent candidate in the upcoming November election. He previously served in the Kentucky House from 1999 to 2002.
