HARLAN, Ky. — A Kentucky lawmaker was critically injured while riding on a lawn mower that plunged into an empty swimming pool at his home, authorities said Monday.

What You Need To Know

  • Authorities said a Kentucky lawmaker was critically injured while riding on a lawn mower that plunged into an empty swimming pool at his home

  • State Sen. Johnnie Turner, R-Harlan, is in "critical but stable condition" at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville after the Sunday evening accident, said Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester

  • Stivers said Monday that Turner's family has requested prayers for his “speedy recovery"

  • State police said Turner was injured when he drove his mower into the deep end of the pool but have provided no details

State Sen. Johnnie Turner, R-Harlan, was in critical but stable condition at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, said Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester. 

Turner was injured when he drove his mower into the deep end of the pool, Kentucky State Police said. Authorities received the 911 call shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday. State police had no details about what caused the accident. Turner was taken to a local hospital and then transferred to UT Medical Center.

Turner's injuries were not immediately disclosed. His family requested prayers for his “speedy recovery,” Stivers said in a statement. 

“Sen. Johnnie Turner remains in critical but stable condition at the University of Tennessee Medical Center," Stivers said. "I’ve been in touch with Johnnie’s family, who are with him at the hospital." 

Turner, an attorney, represents multiple counties in eastern Kentucky. He won election to the state Senate in 2020, ousting a Democratic incumbent with the same last name. Turner defeated two challengers in the Republican primary in May, and he is being challenged by an independent candidate in the November election. Turner served in the Kentucky House from 1999 to 2002.

Turner is a defender of the coal industry, once the backbone of the eastern Kentucky economy. Coal employment in Kentucky fell over the last decade as cheaper natural gas prices and tougher environmental regulations prompted electric providers to move away from buying coal.

Kentucky's GOP-dominated legislature will begin its 2025 session in Jan. 2025. Until then, lawmakers are meeting in interim committees to study a range of issues in preparation for next year's 30-day session.