LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Former Kentucky State House Majority Leader John 'Bam' Carney has died at age 51.
According to a family statement posted by Mark Carney on Facebook, John Carney “passed peacefully” Saturday at the University of Kentucky medical center.
The former state legislator battled a severe case of pancreatitis in late 2019 and spent more than 100 days in the hospital in 2020.
A number of Carney's colleagues including Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, Auditor Mike Harmon, Senate President Robert Stivers and the Kentucky House Democrat Caucus leaders have issued statements about his passing.
McConnell issued a statement about Carney's passing saying in part, "“Bam Carney was a tireless public servant whose devotion to his fellow Kentuckians knew no bounds. He uplifted the lives of his constituents through more than a decade of hard work and dedication, deeply committed to Central Kentucky and its people. It is a testament to his strong character that he was chosen to lead Kentucky Republicans as the House Majority Leader, a role which he passionately embraced."
Mark Carney, who provided regular updates on behalf of the family via social media, posted in May that Carney's homecoming had been delayed due to an infected port and a UTI.
The former State House Majority Leader represented Taylor and Adair Counties in the 51st district. Carney, a Republican, was first elected to office in 2009.
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