Candlelight Vigil in Memory of Kenny A. Johnson, Official Who Died After BioLab Explosion Testimony

Community members will hold a candlelight vigil in memory of Kenny A. Johnson, the 62-year-old Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor, who tragically collapsed and passed away after testifying before state lawmakers regarding the toxic BioLab chemical fire. The Sept. 29 explosion at the plant significantly affected the community, and Johnson’s testimony highlighted both the environmental impacts and the toll on his own health. As he gave his testimony, Kenny urged fellow citizens to seek medical attention.

The outdoor vigil, open to the public, will be held on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m., at the home of Rockdale community activist Josie Dean, located at 1524 Flat Shoals Road, S.W., Conyers.

“Kenny died fighting for the community. He was deeply aware of the dangers surrounding the plant,” said Dean. “He did everything in his power to warn us about the hazardous chemicals that people had been exposed to.”

The Biolab facility in Rockdale County has a troubling history of incidents: May 2004, June 2015, September 2020, and now October 2024. These repeated fires have caused significant health issues for nearby communities. The welfare of the impacted residents – especially children, seniors, and those with chronic illnesses – is under siege by this crisis, which is exacerbated each day we fail to act.

Members of the House and Senate Rockdale County Legislative Delegations, House Minority Caucus, and DeKalb County Legislative Delegation gathered on Tuesday, Oct. 8, for a public hearing at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in downtown Atlanta, where Johnson and others shared their concerns about the BioLab incident. Johnson, in particular, testified about his difficulty breathing as he discussed the hazardous chemicals, including sulfuric acid, stored at BioLab, which posed significant public health risks. He called for the immediate closure of the plant and urged Rockdale residents exposed to toxic plumes to get tested.

Following his testimony, Kenny complained of shortness of breath and collapsed in the hallway. State Rep. Viola Davis, District 82, a registered nurse, rushed to administer CPR until paramedics arrived. Johnson was transported to Grady Hospital, where he later passed away. The GBI is now investigating to determine Kenny’s cause of death.

Rep. Davis said in a statement, “Kenny dedicated years to the Soil and Water Conservation District and was a fierce environmental justice advocate. His commitment to protecting the community and his final testimony about BioLab’s impact will not be forgotten.”

While the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) looks into the circumstances of Johnson’s death, lawmakers and community members are urging Governor Brian Kemp to declare a state of emergency for Rockdale County and surrounding areas due to the ongoing public health crisis caused by the BioLab explosion. They have also requested an independent investigation and cleanup by a reputable outside company, citing repeated incidents at the BioLab facility.

Meanwhile, local schools remain closed, residents have been instructed to shelter in place, and businesses are continuing to suffer financial losses. Some residents are calling the situation environmental racism, questioning how BioLab was allowed to operate within their community.

In a statement state leaders said: “The welfare of the impacted residents – especially children, seniors, and those with chronic illnesses – is under siege by this crisis, which is exacerbated each day we fail to act. By declaring a state of emergency and designating the affected areas as disaster zones, we can mobilize critical resources to ensure the well-being of our residents. This action will enhance our capacity for rapid response, improve testing capabilities, and strengthen our healthcare system to manage the anticipated influx of cases. It will also demonstrate to these communities that we, as elected leaders, can be counted on to assist them during this tragedy.

Despite these concerns from lawmakers and the community, no action or decision has been made by the Governor.