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Rockdale County official dies after BioLab hearing
Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor Kenny Johnson died at the State Capitol shortly after speaking at a hearing where the Rockdale County BioLab fire was discussed. Johnson reportedly complained of shortness of breath before collapsing.
ATLANTA - Kenny Johnson, 62, the Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, died Tuesday after collapsing near the Georgia State Capitol during a public meeting about a chemical plume following the BioLab fire on Sept. 29.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Johnson's death in an email to FOX 5 News.
Johnson had spoken earlier in the day at a public forum hosted by the Rockdale County and DeKalb County Legislative Delegations, alongside the House Minority Caucus.
"As a representative for the Soil and Water Conservation District, Johnson delivered a powerful testimony during the chemical fire public hearing. He complained of shortness of breath and subsequently collapsed in the hallway outside room 606. State Rep. Viola Davis, a nurse by profession, administered CPR while medical professionals were summoned," a statement from the GHDC reads in part.
After collapsing, he was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he later died.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life today as community advocate Kenny Johnson experienced a medical emergency after testifying at a hearing on the Biolab explosion in Rockdale County held by one of our caucuses. On behalf of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy for your loss, and we send these thoughts in remembrance of your loved one. Please know that our thoughts, prayers, and actions are with you during this difficult time. May cherished memories of Kenny and the work he did bring you comfort," wrote Georgia House Democratic Caucus Leader James Beverly.
"Kenny dedicated years as the Soil and Water Conservation District representative and as an environmental justice advocate. His unwavering commitment to environmental justice and his testimony on the effects of the Biolab chemical fire on the community remain etched in our memories. His efforts to improve our quality of life have left a lasting impact on our community, and we must honor his legacy by ensuring that we follow through with the requests he so fervently championed," Rep. Davis said.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.