Sylvester Turner had just begun his tenure in Congress, stepping into a new role after years of public service. Then, within hours of a high-profile event, he was no more.
Texas Representative Sylvester Turner, a first-term Democratic lawmaker, has died at the age of 70. His passing comes just hours after attending President Donald Trump’s address to Congress.
Turner, who was sworn into office in January, suffered a medical emergency early Tuesday afternoon. A fellow Democrat spotted him in the underground tunnel connecting the Capitol with the Cannon Building and noted his distress. Capitol Police were alerted and responded to assist him.
Before the incident, several lawmakers saw and spoke with Turner on the House floor. Photographs and video from the address show him seated toward the back of the chamber.
News of Turner’s passing spread quickly, reaching his hometown of Houston, where he had served as mayor for two terms. Current Houston Mayor John Whitmire confirmed Turner’s passing at the start of Wednesday’s City Council meeting.
“A remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people,” Whitmire said in a statement shared on the city’s X account. “He rose from poverty but never forgot where he came from. It is a terrible loss for the city and a personal loss for me. I ask Houstonians to celebrate his life.”
According to Turner’s family, he attended the president’s joint address but was later taken to the hospital. He was released that night but died at his home in Washington, D.C., early Wednesday morning due to enduring health complications.
“Congressman Turner was the consummate public servant,” his family said in a statement. “But to us, he was our beloved father, grandfather, sibling, and relative.”
As the nation mourns his passing, Turner’s legacy remains. His work in Houston and beyond has shaped policies and inspired many.
