(UnitedVoice.com) – State Senator Roy Herron (D-TN) suffered severe injuries during a jet ski accident on July 1. A week later, the former chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party passed away. His colleagues and family are now remembering a life well lived.
Herron died on July 9 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. The former state senator sustained injuries to one of his arms, internal bleeding, and a broken pelvis when the jet ski he was riding on collided with another jet ski on Kentucky Lake. Initially, his family told the local news that he was recovering, but that turned out not to be the case.
US Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) alleged the accident that killed his former colleague was “caused by the negligence of another.” He went on to say Herron was “bright, diligent, and honest.”
Saddened by the death of former colleague in Tennessee General Assembly, Roy Herron.Roy succumbed to injuries from jet ski accident last weekend apparently caused by negligence of another.
He was bright,diligent, and honest. A politician destined for greatness but Tn. changed.— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) July 9, 2023
Herron received a law degree from Vanderbilt University after receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee. In 1986, the people of Tennessee elected him to the General Assembly for the first time. A decade later, he was elected to the state Senate and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Senate Democratic Caucus chairman. The Democrat remained in the state Senate until 2012; then, he became chair of the state party from 2013 to 2015.
Attorney Tom Lee, a friend of Herron’s, told the Tennessee Lookout that the former lawmaker was unlike others in their generation. He said nobody “got up earlier, ran more miles, put in longer hours […] spoke more eloquently.” Ripley Mayor Craig Fitzhugh said he would miss his “dear friend” who worked so hard to pass laws to help people in the state during his long political career.
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) sent condolences to the former lawmaker’s family.
Saddened to hear of the passing of my former Tennessee State Senate colleague, Roy Herron.
May his friends and family find peace and healing during this difficult time.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) July 9, 2023
Herron is survived by his wife, Nancy Carol, three sons, brother, and many other family members.
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