Rockdale County environmental official dies after giving testimony at hearing on BioLab fire

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A Rockdale County official died after giving testimony at a hearing on the BioLab chemical fire, according to the Georgia House Democratic Caucus.
The caucus said Rockdale Soil and Water Conservation District State Board Chairman Kenny Johnson “complained of shortness of breath and subsequently collapsed in the hallway” outside of the hearing. State Rep. Viola Davis, who is a nurse, administered CPR before professionals arrived. Johnson was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
The hearing was on the impact of the fire at the BioLab facility in Conyers on the surrounding community. The fire led to a huge hazardous plume appearing Rockdale County and other parts of metro Atlanta; it resulted in evacuation and shelter-in-place orders that are still in effect for some residents.
In a statement to Atlanta News First Monday, Johnson called the fire an “environmental disaster.”

Rep. Davis released a statement following Johnson’s death.
Kenny dedicated years as the Soil and Water Conservation District representative and as an environmental justice advocate. 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. His efforts to improve our quality of life have left a lasting impact on our community, and we must honor his legacy by ensuring that we follow through with the requests he so fervently championed.

https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/10/09/rockdale-county-official-dies-after-hearing-biolab-fire-georgia-house-democrats-say/