A Georgia environmental chief suddenly collapsed Tuesday and later died in the hospital, the same day after testifying about the BioLab chemical explosion.
Kenny Johnson, 62, was Rockdale’s state representative supervisor for soil and water conservation. He testified about the BioLab chemical fire that sent clouds of chlorine gas and smoke into Conyers, where Johnson lived with his family.
He later collapsed near the state Capitol and was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he died.
During his recorded In his testimony, Johnson stated that this was the second time he had called for a criminal investigation; The first time was three weeks before Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff, whose office told the environmental chief they would do harm by using the Justice Department.
He expressed concern about the sulfuric acid the company keeps on the property, going so far as to implore the Rockville County community to go to the doctor for blood work and toxin testing.
Kenny Johnson, 62, was Rockdale’s state representative supervisor for soil and water conservation. He testified Tuesday about the BioLab chemical fire that spewed clouds of chlorine gas and smoke in Conyers, where Johnson lived with his family.
Johnson suddenly collapsed and later died in the hospital, the same day after testifying about the BioLab chemical explosion.
During his recorded testimony, Johnson stated that this was the second time he had requested a criminal investigation; The first time was three weeks before Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff, whose office told the environmental chief they would do harm by using the Justice Department
Johnson said: ‘EPA Region 4 is the worst region in the United States, look it up. Rockdale County has been out of federal compliance for four decades.
“I’ve been fighting for six years.”
‘I’ve been saying the company is going to explode. Nobody listened. We have to get this company out of this community.’
The environment chief asked tough questions about BioLab, such as when he asked why the chemicals were stored in a dry place.
Throughout the testimony, Johnson seemed out of breath; At one point, he took a deep breath and said, “Let me catch my breath.”
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation agreed to investigate Johnson’s death due to the timing and circumstances. 11Alive reported.
He expressed concern about the sulfuric acid the company keeps on the property, going so far as to implore the Rockville County community to go to the doctor for blood work and toxin analysis.
Johnson said: ‘EPA Region 4 is the worst region in the United States, look it up. Rockdale County has been out of federal compliance for four decades.
Throughout the testimony, Johnson seemed out of breath; At one point, he took a deep breath and said, “Let me catch my breath.”
The cause of his death is still unclear.
Rockville County residents are mourning the loss of Johnson.
One X user wrote: ‘He literally took his last breath to bring this horrible situation to light. An anonymous hero. May he rest well and may his sacrifice be addressed.’
Another wrote: ‘Safety officers are usually ignored until a big accident happens. The same thing has happened here.
‘Mister. Johnson worked to death trying to spread his message about this company. As a former security officer, I hear you. I just wish the powers that be would hear it.’
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation agreed to investigate Johnson’s death due to the timing and circumstances, 11Alive reported.
Johnson served as a state representative supervisor for nearly six years.
Johnson served as a state representative supervisor for nearly six years.
The Biolab fire started on September 29 around 5 a.m. A sprinkler at the facility failed and sprayed water onto a chemical causing an explosion, Atlanta New First reported.
The company manufactures pool and spa treatment products, including chlorine.
On October 2, residents were warned that the smell of chlorine would linger and that a haze would form due to a change in wind.