The John Passidomo hiking accident shocked Florida’s political community in 2025. The 72-year-old husband of Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo died after a tragic fall. The incident occurred while hiking in Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park.
What Happened During the Bryce Canyon Hike?
The accident happened in April when he fell on a trail in Bryce Canyon. He and Kathleen had just visited Zion National Park for their Utah adventure. The couple had unknowingly taken their last photo together at the park.
“We both worked for so many years, and John was in the let’s start slowing down mode,” Kathleen later shared. “He had the whole summer planned by visiting national parks.”
When the accident occurred, Kathleen couldn’t reach him immediately. Fellow hikers provided critical first aid that later made organ donation possible. The couple had planned this trip as part of their retirement adventures.
The accident turned a celebratory retirement trip into a devastating loss. Senate President Pro Tempore Dennis Baxley noted their final days together were filled with “special moments” and “beautiful scenery.”
Final Hours and Medical Care
After the accident, paramedics rushed him to the hospital by ambulance. He was taken to Garfield Memorial Hospital for initial treatment. Because of his critical condition, he was airlifted to St. George Regional Hospital.
Doctors monitored his condition for a full day after the fall. Hospital staff consulted with specialists at UF Health Shands in Florida. They brought in Dr. Michael Okun from the Norman Fixel Institute.
Despite receiving excellent care, doctors determined he wouldn’t survive his injuries. Kathleen notified their three daughters, who quickly traveled to Utah. This allowed the family to gather and say goodbye.
John died at 3:21 p.m. EDT on Wednesday. He passed away peacefully with his wife and daughters by his side. “The three of them flew out and were with us,” Kathleen later reflected.
John Passidomo’s Life and Legacy
Before John’s fall, he had built a distinguished career as a real estate attorney. He worked as a shareholder at Cheffy Passidomo, a Naples law firm specializing in real estate law. He served as President of the Collier County Bar Association.
John made significant contributions to public service in southwest Florida. He served as a Naples City Council member and Vice Mayor from 1990 to 1992. He held various leadership roles throughout Collier County.
His community service included chairing the Naples Planning Advisory Board and Economic Development Council. Former state Senator Garrett Richter praised John’s impact on the community. “You can’t think of John Passidomo without a smile,” Richter said.
John was known for his supportive presence throughout his wife’s political career. He regularly joined her in Tallahassee, gracefully supporting her work as Florida’s First Gentleman.
John and Kathleen’s Love Story
Before this tragedy ended their journey together, their love story began at Stetson University Law School. Originally from New Jersey, they found their future in Florida. After graduating in 1979, they moved to Naples.
As Kathleen recalled in an interview, They hitched a trailer to her Mercury Capri. With their cat Kebe in tow, they drove south on U.S. 41. “We didn’t have a honeymoon. We got a U-Haul and couldn’t go faster than 50,” she remembered.
They chose Naples after visiting John’s relatives during law school. Seeing a canal opening into the Gulf convinced them to build their lives there. Kathleen called it “love at first sight” with the “quaint little fishing village.”
The couple married in 1980 and raised three daughters together. One daughter, Gabriella, now serves on the Florida Public Service Commission. They also enjoyed being grandparents to two grandchildren.
Kathleen Passidomo’s Response to the Tragedy
Following John’s accident, Kathleen demonstrated remarkable strength while grieving. The couple had been preparing to celebrate 45 years of marriage when tragedy struck.
Despite her heartbreak, Kathleen committed to continuing her public service. “I want to make sure they can get value out of my service,” she explained. Her decision to keep serving amid such grief shows extraordinary strength.
When discussing her husband, Kathleen shared: “Privately, we remember him for his smile and his genuine love of family.” She offered a message to constituents about life’s fragility: “Cherish every minute with your family because it could end any minute.”
John’s Final Gift: Organ Donation
The John Passidomo hiking accident ultimately led to his final act of giving through organ donation. Before his death, Kathleen authorized medical officials to find matches for several organs.
Dennis Baxley noted the family found comfort knowing “their great loss resulted in a life-saving gift for other families.” The fast response enabled the organ donation.
John was described as “very fit and active” before the accident. This made his healthy organs save lives, extending his legacy of generosity.
Outpouring of Support from Political Leaders
The John Passidomo hiking accident prompted widespread support from leaders across Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis expressed condolences on social media in 2025, calling John “a good man.”
Speaker Paul Renner shared heartfelt words: “John was a true prince of a man. Always gracious, exceptionally kind, and highly respected.” U.S. Representative Byron Donalds expressed shock, noting the Passidomos were “pillars of the Southwest Florida community.”
Leaders from both parties offered tributes, showing how John’s qualities transcended political divisions. Leaders from all political backgrounds acknowledged his impact.
Lessons for Hikers: Safety in National Parks
The tragedy underscores critical hiking safety risks in national parks. According to the National Park Service, falls cause nearly 11% of hiking fatalities in national parks.
Between 2007 and 2023, 428 deaths related to accidental falls occurred in national parks. Falls rank as the second most common cause of death for hikers, behind only drownings at 20.9%.
Bryce Canyon presents particular challenges with its steep formations and changing conditions. Even experienced hikers like John can encounter unexpected hazards. His accident reminds us that nature demands respect from all visitors.
Remembering John Passidomo’s Service, Family, and Lasting Impact
John’s death in 2025 left a legacy of public service and family devotion. From his work as a Naples attorney to his community leadership, he made lasting contributions.
His partnership with Kathleen stands as a testament to enduring love and support. Together, they built careers, raised a family, and served their community with distinction.
John’s final gift as an organ donor reflects his generous spirit. The grief expressed by leaders across party lines demonstrates how his kindness transcended political divisions.
While Florida grieves, they also honor a well-lived life—marked by achievement, service, and family love.
