“Johnnie served in the U.S. Army in the Panama Canal Zone from 1967 to 1969, where he met the love of his life, Maritza, to whom he was married for more than 50 years. When he returned to the United States, Johnnie worked in a factory to earn the money to bring Maritza to the US

“He then attended Union College before attending the University of Kentucky College of Law. Johnnie literally practiced law longer than I was alive. He began his career in January 1978 with former Federal District Judge Karl Forester and continued to practice until his accident in September. Johnnie became a ‘legal legend’ in the mountains, handling hundreds of cases and representing thousands of miners.”

Calling Turner a “devout Christian” and a “great storyteller,” Wheeler said one of Turner’s goals in the House of Representatives was to soften the “harsh workers’ compensation law” backed by then-Gov. Paul Patton and established in 1996.

Turner was injured and hospitalized in September when a lawn mower he was driving fell into an empty swimming pool.

Other Kentucky officials volunteered condolences to Turner’s family and friends Wednesday morning.

U.S. Senate Republican Mitch McConnell of Kentucky issued a statement: “Elaine and I were saddened to hear of the passing of our friend, Senator Johnnie Turner. Throughout his service to Kentucky and the nation – in the U.S. Army, the State House and the Senate, representing communities in Eastern Kentucky – Johnnie lived his life for others. I remember crossing paths with Johnnie in recent years to survey the damage left behind by the devastating floods that hit 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. That was exactly who he was: a good man who loved the mountains and the people. We extend our condolences to the entire Turner family, Johnnie’s colleagues in the Senate and everyone affected by his service.”

Gov. Andy Beshear said on X: “Britain and I are saddened by the news of the passing of Senator Johnnie Turner. We send our condolences and prayers to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

This is what Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman writes in an X message that Turner “was a true champion for his beloved Mountains. His steadfast leadership for our Commonwealth had a lasting impact on Eastern Kentucky.

Republican Speaker David Osborne expressed his condolences to Turner’s family in a statement on behalf of the House of Representatives.

“Johnnie will be deeply missed and his loss will be felt in the halls of the Kentucky State Capitol, where he served his constituents and the Commonwealth so well,” Osborne said. “A dedicated public servant, Johnnie was an ardent champion and passionate voice for Eastern Kentucky. We are saddened by his loss, but know his legacy will live on in those he helped.”

Turner’s family includes his wife Maritza; his children Yazmin, Susie and Johnnie; and grandchildren.

Funeral services for Turner were still pending Wednesday morning.

Turner was seeking re-election in the 29th Senate District after winning a contentious Republican primary in May. He faced no Democratic challenger in the general election.