Rockdale County Supervisor Dies After Testimony

Kenny Johnson, the Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor, died shortly after testifying about the BioLab chemical plant fire at the Georgia State Capitol. Following the hearing, where Johnson and others expressed frustration over the fire's impact, he collapsed due to shortness of breath and was pronounced dead later at Grady Memorial Hospital. The fire at the BioLab plant in Conyers, Georgia, led to extensive hazardous plumes affecting nearby counties, prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place orders. Johnson was a vocal advocate for environmental justice, and his death has sparked calls for the plant's closure. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into the circumstances surrounding his death, with an official cause pending an autopsy. State Rep. Viola Davis, who administered CPR to Johnson, praised his dedication to environmental causes, emphasizing the need to honor his legacy by addressing the issues he championed.