Former Houston Mayor and U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner has died at 70, just months after winning a congressional seat. The city honors his legacy of dedicated public service.
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The city of Houston is in mourning following the passing of former Mayor and U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner, who died at the age of 70 on Wednesday due to ongoing health complications, as confirmed by his family. During a city council meeting, current Mayor John Whitmire confirmed the passing of Turner, commending his lifelong dedication to public service.
Turner, who held the position of mayor in Houston from 2016 to 2024, has recently been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, taking over the seat once occupied by the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.
The Metropolitan Police Department of Washington has classified Turner’s passing as a “apparent natural death.” Early Wednesday morning, authorities responded to a medical call at an apartment complex, where an individual was discovered unresponsive.
Flags at City Hall and municipal buildings have been positioned at half-staff as a mark of respect for him. “He always remembered his roots, and that’s truly commendable in public service,” Whitmire expressed in a heartfelt tribute.
Turner’s office portrayed him as a leader committed to working across party lines and prioritizing the welfare of Houstonians. The family has asked for privacy during this time of mourning, and details regarding the memorial service will be shared in the days ahead.
Turner attended President Donald Trump’s address to Congress in Washington on Tuesday, signifying one of his final public appearances.
