Kenny Johnson, the 62-year-old environmental supervisor for Rockdale County’s Soil and Water Conservation District, tragically died Tuesday after collapsing close to the Georgia State Capitol.
Johnson was attending a public listening to regarding a latest chemical hearth on the BioLab plant in Conyers, Georgia.
The assembly was targeted on assessing the long-term impacts of the poisonous plume that emerged following the fireplace on September 29.
The BioLab facility, situated about 30 miles east of Atlanta, caught hearth final month.
Preliminary stories from authorities point out {that a} sprinkler malfunction led to a harmful chemical response, sending heavy smoke and unsafe fumes into the air.
Learn extra:
Throughout his testimony, Johnson detailed his repeated makes an attempt to lift consciousness in regards to the security dangers posed by the ability and urged speedy intervention, together with an investigation by the Division of Justice.
This marked Johnson’s second formal request for a felony inquiry into BioLab’s practices, in keeping with Dail Mail.
Johnson’s testimony was impassioned and demanding, notably towards EPA Area 4, which he known as “the worst area in the USA.”
Johnson shared his frustration over Rockdale County’s extended non-compliance with federal requirements, stating, “Rockdale County has been out of federal compliance for 4 a long time. I’ve been preventing for six years, warning that this firm would explode.”
In his enchantment, Johnson known as for BioLab’s relocation and urged residents to hunt blood assessments to verify for publicity to hazardous chemical substances like sulfuric acid.
After his testimony, Johnson appeared visibly fatigued, taking deep breaths and struggling to catch his breath. Following his remarks, he collapsed outdoors the listening to room.
State Consultant Viola Davis, a nurse by occupation, administered CPR till medical personnel arrived. Johnson was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, the place he was later pronounced lifeless.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Workplace confirmed his passing, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will conduct an post-mortem as a result of sudden nature of his demise.
In an e mail to FOX 5 News, the Medical Examiner’s Workplace said that the investigation into Johnson’s demise was prompted by its proximity to the chemical hearth listening to.
“As a consultant for the Soil and Water Conservation District, Johnson delivered a strong testimony through the chemical hearth public listening to. He complained of shortness of breath and subsequently collapsed within the hallway outdoors room 606.”
Georgia Home Democratic Caucus Chief James Beverly issued a press release, stating, “We’re deeply saddened by the tragic lack of life at the moment as group advocate Kenny Johnson skilled a medical emergency after testifying at a listening to on the Biolab explosion in Rockdale County held by one in all our caucuses.
“On behalf of the Georgia Home Democratic Caucus, we lengthen our heartfelt condolences to the households of the deceased. Our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy on your loss, and we ship these ideas in remembrance of your beloved. Please know that our ideas, prayers, and actions are with you throughout this troublesome time. Might cherished recollections of Kenny and the work he did deliver you consolation,” he added.
State Rep. Viola Davis stated, “Kenny devoted years because the Soil and Water Conservation District consultant and as an environmental justice advocate. His unwavering dedication to environmental justice and his testimony on the results of the Biolab chemical hearth on the group stay etched in our recollections. His efforts to enhance our high quality of life have left a long-lasting affect on our group, and we should honor his legacy by guaranteeing that we observe by way of with the requests he so fervently championed.”
