BURLINGTON, Ky. — Longtime Boone County Clerk Kenny Brown died Friday afternoon “as a result of a history of medical issues,” according to a statement issued by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.
Brown, 53, had overseen Boone County’s elections and the issue of various personal and professional licenses since 2010.
“Kenny is recognized in Boone County as an innovator and true conservative who worked tirelessly to improve and expand the Clerk’s Office services,” sheriff’s office spokesman Maj. Tom Scheben wrote Friday.
Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore said Friday night Brown had been living with heart disease and recovering from a recent heart attack. He did not specify whether that attack was the one Brown experienced on Election Day 2018.
According to Scheben’s statement, a friend called first responders to perform a welfare check on Brown around 5:20 p.m. after a phone call disconnected under unusual circumstances.
Responders who entered Brown’s home through the window found him dead of apparent natural causes.
“Our hearts are saddened to hear the tragic news about the passing of County Clerk Kenny Brown,” Moore said in a joint statement with Boone County’s three commissioners. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kenny’s family, his dedicated staff and friends during this difficult time.”
Under Kentucky law, a County Judge-Executive will appoint a temporary replacement for Brown, until a special election can be held in November.
"I learned about the passing of Boone County Clerk Kenny Brown with great sadness," a statement from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Saturday afternoon. "A life-long Kentuckian, Kenny was well-respected by his constituents and throughout his community. His reputation for dedicated public service and fostering new ideas made Boone County a better place for those who call it home. Elaine and I send our condolences to Kenny's loved ones, colleagues, and friends at this difficult time."
