Kentucky Rep. Lamin Swann dies after medical emergency
Kentucky state Rep. Lamin Swann, a freshman Democrat from Lexington who just wrapped up his first legislative session, died Saturday. He was 45.
Swann had a "significant medical emergency requiring hospitalization" Tuesday, his mom, Pam Dixon, shared earlier this week.
“There are no words to fully describe the grief and impossible loss that others and I feel right now after saying good-bye earlier today to my beloved son, Lamin,” Dixon said in a statement released Sunday morning. ”Beyond our faith, what comforts us is knowing the positive and lasting impact he had on so many. Those include his loved ones and friends; those he advocated for throughout his life; and, now, those whose own lives will forever be strengthened by his decision to be an organ donor.
"We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received over the last several days, and I know he felt it, too. Thank you," she continued.
Swann represented a southwestern part of Fayette County. His win last November was the only House seat Democrats were able to flip away from the GOP supermajority in the 2022 statehouse races, despite Swann being greatly outspent by the campaign of his Republican opponent.
Elected officials remembered Swann on Sunday as a kind-hearted person who always had a smile.
"Lamin was always smiling, leading with kindness while working to build a better Kentucky for all," Gov. Andy Beshear said in a Sunday morning tweet about Swann's death.
Leaders of the Kentucky House Democratic Caucus issued a statement saying they were "devastated by the news of Lamin’s passing," calling him "a great friend" and saying they are "better for having known and worked alongside him."
"He served his constituents as well as anyone ever has," said leaders Derrick Graham, Cherlynn Stevenson and Rachel Roberts. "He was an especially strong advocate for Fayette County as well as countless other Kentuckians who benefited from his voice on issues ranging from social justice to expanding disability rights, causes we will continue to champion on his behalf. We truly enjoyed working with him and only wish it could have been for far longer.”
Swann grew up in Lexington, graduating from Tates Creek High School and then the University of Kentucky, where he majored in Social Work and worked at the Kentucky Kernel, the school's independent student newspaper.
Swann ran a studio in north Lexington concentrating on fashion and product design, and was "a front line organizer and activist during the protests for racial justice," according to his campaign website.
Secretary of State Michael Adams said Swann was "a kind and decent man and a credit to his chamber. I never saw him in the halls of the Capitol without a smile on his face."
Rep. Daniel Grossberg, another freshman Democrat, said Swann "was a kind-hearted soul who never had harsh judgment or spoke ill of others. He always found the best in people and loved everyone. In his short career, he had an immeasurable impact."
Reach Olivia Krauth at okrauth@courierjournal.com and on Twitter at @oliviakrauth.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Rep. Lamin Swann dies after medical emergency
