Texas Rep. Sylvester Turner, the former mayor of Houston, passed away suddenly at the age of 70, just two months after joining Congress. His death was announced by current Houston Mayor John Whitmire during a city council meeting on Wednesday, March 5, according to local news reports.
Whitmire confirmed that Turner was hospitalized on Tuesday night after attending President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. Turner was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
“This comes as a shock to everyone,” Whitmire said during the meeting, adding that he had requested flags across the city be lowered to half-staff in honor of Turner’s memory. “I would ask Houstonians to come together, pray for his family, join us in celebrating this remarkable public servant. Celebrate his life, which we will be doing.”
Whitmire, visibly emotional, also shared a personal reflection on his close relationship with Turner. “No one really knows how close Sylvester and I were,” he said. “We’ve been together in good times and bad times. He asked me to speak at his mother’s funeral. I was there when [his daughter] Ashley was born, he was there when [my children] Whitney and Sarah were born.”
Turner, who was a lifelong resident of Houston, had an extensive and impactful career in public service. He served as mayor of Houston from 2016 to 2024, during which he guided the city through major crises such as Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. He was widely respected for his leadership and dedication to the people of Houston.
In November 2024, Turner was elected to represent Texas’s 18th Congressional District, succeeding the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Turner’s sudden death has left many in his community and beyond in mourning, especially as he was just beginning his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Turner’s cause of death has not yet been determined. However, he had been diagnosed with bone cancer in 2022 and underwent surgery and radiation treatment. It is unclear if his previous health issues were related to his death.
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Throughout his career, Turner earned recognition for his work in both local and national politics. As mayor, he faced significant challenges, including leading Houston through the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. He also worked to address the public health crisis posed by COVID-19, and his leadership during those tumultuous times solidified his reputation as a dedicated public servant.
In addition to his political work, Turner was known for his academic achievements. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Houston before attending Harvard Law School, where he received his law degree.
Turner is survived by his daughter, Ashley Page Turner, and his grandson. His death marks the end of a remarkable career, but his legacy of service to Houston and his community will undoubtedly live on.
Turner’s passing has sent shockwaves through the political community, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and admirers alike. He was remembered not only for his leadership but also for his kindness and commitment to improving the lives of those around him.
As Houston mourns the loss of one of its most beloved public figures, Mayor Whitmire has called for the community to come together in this time of grief, honoring Turner’s memory and contributions to the city.
Turner’s impact on Houston and his dedication to public service will be remembered by those who knew him, as well as by the many lives he touched throughout his career.
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