LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky state Representative Lamin Swann died Sunday, days after he was hospitalized with a medical emergency. Swann’s mother, Pamela Dixon, said in a statement released by the Kentucky House Democratic Caucus that Swann, a Lexington Democrat, suffered a “significant medical emergency” on Tuesday. Dixon did not provide details about the medical emergency.
Swann, 45, was elected last year. He was a member of the committees for transportation, health services, economic development and workforce investment, and elections, constitutional amendments and intergovernmental affairs, according to the General Assembly’s website.
Caucus leaders Derrick Graham, Cherlynn Stevenson and Rachel Roberts said Swann was a strong advocate on issues ranging from social justice to expanding disability rights.
According to a biography posted on his campaign website, Swann grew up in Lexington and was 8 years old when he joined his grandfather at the Kentucky State Capitol to call for the recognition of the state holiday honoring civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear posted on Twitter that his “heart is heavy” with the news of Swann’s passing. Beshear said “Lamin was always smiling, leading with kindness while working to build a better Kentucky for all.”
