Former Tennessee lawmaker Roy B. Herron has died after suffering injuries related to a jet ski accident this month. He was 69.
Herron had decades of public service, including terms in the state House of Representatives, Senate and as chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party. He was also a candidate for governor in 2010.
FOX 17 reports that Herron was hospitalized after a jet ski accident on Kentucky Lake on July 1.
Many of Herron’s family members and former colleagues have paid tribute in his honor.
“Behind that warm smile, he was as tenacious as they come and never better than when he was fighting for public schools, affordable healthcare and working families.”
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Tennessee House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison said Herron was “the kind of guy that you couldn’t help but like.”
“Senator Herron was truly a statesman and public servant and will be missed by us all,” Turner wrote.