Former Tennessee lawmaker Roy B. Herron, Dresden, has died after suffering injuries related to a jet ski accident this month.

He was 69.

Herron had decades of public service, including terms in the state House of Representatives, Senate and as chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party. He was also a candidate for governor in 2010.

Herron was hospitalized after a jet ski accident on Kentucky Lake on July 1.

Roy is survived by his wife, Nancy Carol, and three sons, John, Rick, and Benjamin; his brother, Ben; and many beloved cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Sen. Herron served 26 years in the Tennessee State Senate and House from 1986 to 2012, representing the people of his hometown of Dresden, along with many other rural West Tennessee communities.

He was chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party from 2013-2015. He is the author of four books and numerous articles. He was an Eagle Scout and an alumnus of the University of Tennessee-Martin and Vanderbilt University.

Many of Herron’s family members and former colleagues have paid tribute in his honor.

“Saddened by the death of former colleague in Tennessee General Assembly, Roy Herron,” Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., tweeted. “Roy succumbed to injuries from jet ski accident last weekend apparently caused by negligence of another. He was bright, diligent, and honest. A politician destined for greatness.”

Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari called the late Herron a “dedicated and joyful warrior for the causes he held dear.”

“Behind that warm smile, he was as tenacious as they come and never better than when he was fighting for public schools, affordable healthcare and working families.”

Tennessee House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison said Herron was “the kind of guy that you couldn’t help but like.”