Kenny Johnson, a 62-year-old environmental supervisor for Rockdale County’s Soil and Water Conservation District, tragically passed away after collapsing outside the Georgia State Capitol during a public hearing regarding a recent chemical fire at the BioLab plant in Conyers, Georgia. The hearing was dedicated to assessing the possible long-term effects of the toxic plume that followed the fire incident, which occurred on September 29, approximately 30 miles east of Atlanta. The investigation focused on understanding the implications of the chemical exposure for the local community, particularly in light of reports that indicated a sprinkler malfunction triggered a dangerous chemical reaction, releasing hazardous smoke and fumes into the environment.
During his impassioned testimony, Johnson expressed grave concerns over the safety risks associated with the BioLab facility, underscoring the urgent need for intervention, including an investigation by the Department of Justice. This was not his first plea; it marked his second formal request for a criminal inquiry into the plant’s practices. Johnson fiercely criticized the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 4, labeling it as “the worst region in the United States” and highlighting Rockdale County’s failure to comply with federal standards for four decades. He asserted his long-standing commitment to alerting authorities about the potential dangers posed by BioLab, emphasizing that he had been advocating against the risks for six years, stating, “I’ve been fighting for six years, warning that this company would explode.” His testimony called for the relocation of the BioLab facility and encouraged residents to seek medical attention to assess their exposure to harmful chemicals.
After concluding his testimony, Johnson reportedly appeared fatigued, struggling to breathe as he exited the hearing room. Tragically, he collapsed shortly thereafter. State Representative Viola Davis, who is also a trained nurse, immediately administered CPR until emergency services arrived on the scene. Johnson was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. In response to his unexpected collapse and subsequent death, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office has initiated an autopsy, and investigations will be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
In an official statement, the Medical Examiner’s Office noted that Johnson’s death warranted investigation due to its timing with the hearing on the chemical fire. It was reported that Johnson had complained of shortness of breath just moments before he collapsed in the hallway. The news of his sudden death prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences from various community leaders. Georgia House Democratic Caucus Leader James Beverly expressed deep sorrow over Johnson’s passing, emphasizing the impact of his advocacy work in the community and extending heartfelt condolences to his family. Beverly’s statement highlighted the collective grief felt by the community for Johnson’s unexpected loss.
State Representative Viola Davis reflected on Johnson’s dedication to environmental justice and the significant contributions he made through his role as an advocate. She emphasized that Johnson’s passion for improving public health and safety has left a lasting legacy within Rockdale County. Davis urged the community to honor Johnson’s memory by ensuring that the requests he advocated for are duly addressed, underscoring the necessity of continuing the fight for environmental justice and community well-being in the wake of such a tragic event.
The circumstances surrounding Johnson’s passing have raised pertinent questions regarding the safety protocols at chemical plants like BioLab and the efficacy of the oversight provided by regulatory agencies. His death at a pivotal moment in the discourse on chemical safety serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community advocacy efforts, especially those aimed at safeguarding public health amidst ongoing environmental concerns. Johnson’s impassioned appeal for accountability and action underscores the crucial intersection between advocacy, public policy, and community resilience, highlighting the role that dedicated individuals play in elevating urgent safety issues for the benefit of their communities.