Rising Sun Native dies in Plane Crash

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 27, 2006) − The following statement was released today by University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd Jr.:

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all those who lost their lives this morning. That profound sense of loss is being particularly felt by our larger UK family as three of our own were on Flight 5191.

Larry Turner was Associate Dean for Extension and Director of the Cooperative Extension Service. Larry began his extension career at UK in 1978. Much of his life revolved around farming and agriculture. A native of Rising Sun, Ind., Larry grew up on a family farm. But his love for – and commitment to – his adopted state ran deep.

Since 2002, he has been the chief officer overseeing the University of Kentucky extension service, which has offices in each of the state's 120 counties. Larry oversaw the work of more than 1,000 people, but he undoubtedly touched countless lives with his deep integrity, commitment and gentle nature. He often said the extension service could be described in three words – 'people, programs and partnerships.'

Today, we have lost one of our best partners.

There are, of course, no easy answers when such a tragedy occurs. The loss is beyond our ability to grasp or comprehend. And there are no words adequate to express the sense of sadness we feel at this time. The book of Isaiah promises that God will 'bind up the brokenhearted … to comfort all who mourn.' That is our humble prayer as we seek to comfort those in the UK family and in Lexington who are grieving today."