HOUSTON — Former Houston Mayor and U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner has died at the age of 70.
The Houston Chronicle first reported the story after current Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced the news during a Houston City Council meeting on Wednesday morning. Whitmire said Turner was working in Washington, D.C. when he was taken to a hospital and later died. The cause of death is unknown at the time.
Turner was elected mayor of Houston and served two terms from 2016 to 2024. He was recently elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November. He filled the seat of former U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who died of cancer last year.
During the council meeting, Whitmire shared his thoughts on Turner’s life and legacy. The two were recently seen together at a church service.
“A remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people. He rose from poverty, but never forgot where he came from. It is a terrible loss for the city and a personal loss for me. I ask Houstonians to celebrate his life,” said Whitmire.
This morning, @houmayor John Whitmire announced the death of former mayor, Congressman SylvesterTurner.
“A remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people. He rose from poverty but never forgot where he came from. It is a terrible loss for the city and a personal loss… pic.twitter.com/YtVMp3tzim— City of Houston (@HoustonTX) March 5, 2025
This is a developing story and will be updated.
