'I fell to my knees:' Reactions to Sylvester Turner's death

Here's what his family, colleagues and friends are saying:

Congressman Turner was the consummate public servant. But to us, he was our beloved father, grandfather, sibling and relative. Thank you for your prayers.

When I heard it, I fell to my knees. I can't believe it. We were on the floor together last night. You never know for whom the bell will toll next. I'm a little full from losing my friend.

I've lost a personal friend, an advisor, and we've lost an outstanding public official. Experience matters. No one will be able to stand in Sylvester's shoes and carry on his duties, because there's only one Sylvester Turner.

He personified what it means to be a Houstonian — to believe in possibility, to work for it, and to share it with others. In his presence you could always feel the love for the city that we call home and for all the people who live here. We were lucky to have his service to our community for decades … as we were lucky to have his example to learn from and to inspire us.

We the people are all better off because you chose to dedicate yourself to a life of public service. You also advanced the continuous struggle to make this nation as good as its promise of freedom and justice for all.

He gave his life to working for the people of Houston … Houston is a better home to all of us because of his many years of dedication to serving the people.

To those of us who served alongside him, he was more than a leader — he was a mentor. He taught us to stand tall, hold our heads high, and walk into any room with confidence, knowing we belonged. But most of all, he was a friend. He answered every call. He encouraged and affirmed you. He told you when you could do better. He gave you a microphone and pushed you to lead.

His kindness extended beyond politics. My family and I are forever grateful for the compassion he showed for my terminally ill brother, ensuring he had the best quality of life possible. That was the heart of Sylvester Turner — always looking out for others, even while facing his own battles.