Former Tennessee State Lawmaker and Chairperson of the State Democratic Party, Roy Herron, Passes Away After Jet Ski Accident

Tennessee state lawmaker and former chairperson of the state Democratic Party, Roy Herron, passed away on Sunday due to injuries sustained in a jet ski accident. Herron had been hospitalized since July 1, when he was involved in a collision with another jet ski on Kentucky Lake. According to his family’s Caring Bridge website, Herron suffered internal bleeding and extensive injuries to his arm and pelvis.

Herron died at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, according to a statement from his family. His wife, Rev. […] said, “Roy loved his family with all his might.”

Herron was a longtime state lawmaker and served as chairperson of the state Democratic Party. He was also a minister and a lawyer. He was a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1990 to 2012, and was a state senator from 2012 to 2018.

Herron was a champion of education and healthcare, and was an advocate for rural communities. He was also a strong supporter of the Tennessee Promise, a program that provides free tuition to Tennessee students.

Herron’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief from his colleagues and constituents. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said in a statement, “Roy was a dedicated public servant and a passionate advocate for the people of Tennessee. He will be remembered for his tireless work on behalf of his constituents and his commitment to making Tennessee a better place.”