Kentucky Representative Bam Carney Dies Aged 51

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – Kentucky Representative and former House Majority Leader Bam Carney has died.

Carney was first elected to represent the 51st District, which includes Taylor and Adair County, in 2009.

Carney returned home last month after being hospitalized for more than a year with a severe case of pancreatitis.

In a statement released on Saturday, June 17, Speaker of the House David Osborne said he had lost a friend and a brother.

“Bam was a passionate educator, an exceptional legislator and a formidable leader for our Commonwealth. Those who were privileged to work with Bam knew he was leading by example and strongly endorsed the belief that you can do great things if you don’t care who gets the credit.

He said Carney has worked hard for the children of Kentucky, emphasizing both building physical safety and raising awareness of children’s mental health.

Governor Andy Beshear said on Twitter that he and his wife were sad to learn of Carney’s passing. He offered his sympathy and prayers to Carney’s family and friends.

In his own statement, State Auditor Mike Harmon expressed his sadness upon learning of Carney’s death.

“I am very saddened to learn of the passing of my former colleague from Kentucky House, and more importantly, of my friend, Representative Bam Carney,” said Harmon. “Bam was a formidable leader for his district and the Commonwealth as a former majority leader in the House and on the House Education Committee. Bam worked tirelessly for the improvement of our classrooms and served all Kentuckians with compassion. “

In an interview with WKYT, Harmon said, “He was a strong Christian man. He worked so hard for everyone. It was very sad to see that we lost him. He fought hard, he fought for a year and a half. He just never got back.

Also saying, “We worked on the bill to try to consolidate health care for our teachers, there was a time when there was no separate fund for their insurance.”

Harmon went on to say that he and his wife offer their thoughts and prayers to Carney’s sons as well as his friends, family and constituents.

President Mac Brown praised Representative Carney’s fight for legislation to improve classrooms across the Commonwealth.

“He explained how to fund a school choice that worked for the entire school system. “

Continue to tell WKYT that we will miss Rep. Carney as a lawmaker, but even more as a dear friend.

“He was a good man. That’s what you really cry. Someone you could reach out and talk honestly and comfortably and that you don’t agree with.

Senatorial Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Carney had fought for Kentucky students and tried to change the Commonwealth for the better.

“During his long illness, he continued to serve in a different way, becoming an inspiration to those who face difficulties. The people of Kentucky are deeply grateful for his advocacy and his work. “

Kentucky House Democratic Caucus leaders also released a statement on Carney’s passing:

“We deeply mourn the passing of State Representative Bam Carney, a good friend we were proud to serve in Kentucky House, and pray for his family during this difficult time. For over a year and a half, he fought his illness with the same determination and dignity that he brought to his work as a legislator and legislative leader. He was an exceptional public servant who truly believed that whatever our differences, we are united as Kentuckians. He will be missed, but his life and legacy will never be forgotten. “

Chef Jenkins told WKYT: “I can’t remember him when he wasn’t smiling. I will remember that big smile. But also, his great sense of humor and his compassion for others.

By also saying: “We did not always agree. We were from different parties and had different philosophies on a lot of things. But he was never rude. We have always been able to speak through our differences. He was a great advocate for education. He was a great advocate for his district. It’s just a very sad day for all of us in Kentucky to lose a great man.

Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles called Carney a fighter. He said he was patient and kind to him when he was first elected to the House of Representatives.

“Through his role as chairman of the House education committee, Bam fought to put the interests of students first. As the House majority leader, he fought to bring a conservative vision to Kentucky, increase economic opportunity, and make the American Dream possible for more Kentuckians. And, in recent years, he has fought tirelessly to get better, return home and resume representing his constituents in the halls of Frankfurt.

Quarles told WKYT in an interview, “He was a very understanding person. He listened before he spoke and he also tried and strived to do what is best to reach as many Kentuckians as possible. “

Continuing by saying that Rep Carney taught him many lessons, including this one: “I will remember all my life never to give up.” “

Treasurer Allison Ball said she was grateful Carney is now in Heaven. She said he was a good man and that he will be missed.

Carney was 51 years old.

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