A state senator from Kentucky has died following injuries he incurred from a lawn mower accident.

Johnnie Turner, a Republican who represented an eastern Kentucky district, passed away on Tuesday night after struggling with severe injuries, as stated by Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers. His age was 76.

The accident took place on September 15 when Turner accidentally drove his lawn mower into the deep end of an unfilled swimming pool, according to officials.

“His admirable strength and determination during the past weeks brought hope to the Turner family and all of us, making this loss especially hard to accept,” Stivers commented. “I will miss my friend dearly; my heart goes out to his wife, Martiza, and their children.”

Previously reported by Kentucky State Police, Turner was rescued after falling into the empty pool and was initially taken to a nearby hospital before being transferred to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.

Turner had served as the representative for District 29 in eastern Kentucky since 2021 and held the role of state representative from 1999 to 2002. Aside from his legislative duties, he was an attorney and also served as a medic in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969.

“Johnnie was truly one of the most interesting individuals I’ve ever had the honor of knowing,” wrote state Sen. Phillip Wheeler in a social media post. “His friendship is a cherished memory for me.”

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also shared his memories of Turner while they were assessing flood damage in eastern Kentucky.

“Johnnie was right there, covered in mud, with equipment from his own home, ready to lend a hand to those in Letcher County,” McConnell said, also a representative of Kentucky. “That’s who he was: a good man who cared for the mountains and the people living there.”

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his condolences as well.

“Britainy and I are deeply saddened by the news of Sen. Johnnie Turner’s passing,” he posted on X, previously known as Twitter. “We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends in this tough time.”

Turner was running for reelection uncontested due to his opponent withdrawing from the contest. His name will still appear on the ballot, as per confirmation from the secretary of state’s office. A special election will be scheduled to fill his position unless some write-in candidates step forward by Friday.