A Georgia county official dies after giving testimony about a hazardous chemical plant fire
SUMMARY
Kenny Johnson, the 62-year-old Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor, collapsed and died at the state Capitol following his testimony about the BioLab chemical plant fire. During the Tuesday hearing, he addressed concerns from local business owners and leaders regarding the fire, which occurred last month at the BioLab plant in Conyers, approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Atlanta. The incident released hazardous chemical plumes that spread into neighboring counties. After the meeting, Johnson reportedly complained of shortness of breath and collapsed in the hallway. State Rep. Viola Davis, a nurse, performed CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived and transported him to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that day. Davis honored Johnson's legacy, stating, “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.”
