Indiana Rep. Jackie Walorski killed in car crash

Jackie Walorski’s (R-IN) office have confirmed that she was killed in a car accident, along with 2 members of her staff, on Wednesday afternoon in Elkhart County, Indiana.

“Dean Swihart, Jackie’s husband, was just informed by the Elkhart County Sheriff’s office that Jackie was killed in a car accident this afternoon. She has returned home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Walorski’s office said in a statement, per CBS News.

They added, “Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers. In addition to the devastating loss of Congresswoman Walorski, it is with a broken heart that I announce the passing of two dedicated members of her staff, Zach Potts and Emma Thomson. They were the epitome of public servants who cared deeply about the work they performed on behalf of the constituents of Indiana’s Second Congressional District.” 

Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) took to Twitter to pay tribute to Walorski: “This news is absolutely devastating. Jackie was a dear friend, trusted advisor, and the embodiment of integrity who achieved the admiration and respect of all her colleagues in the House. She always put others first.”

Elkhart County Sheriff’s office released a statement on the pattern of events. “On August 3, 2022, at approximately 12:32 PM the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on SR 19 south of SR 119,” the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office informed Fox News.

The sheriff’s office said that “A northbound passenger car traveled left of center and collided head on with a southbound sports utility vehicle. All three occupants in the southbound vehicle died as a result of their injuries: Jackie Walorski, 58, Elkhart, Indiana Zachery Potts, 27, Mishawaka, Indiana Emma Thomson, 28, Washington, D.C. The sole occupant of the northbound vehicle, Edith Schmucker, 56, Nappanee, Indiana was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Steve Scalise (R-LO) also issued his condolences after the accident in a press statement. “I am devastated and saddened to learn about the tragic passing of my dear friend Jackie Walorski and two of her staffers.  Jackie was an instrumental member of our conference, serving as a member of my deputy whip team for several years. She was a champion for the people of Indiana, and she will be remembered for her kindness, tenacity, and commitment to helping others,” Scalise said.

Nancy Pelosi’s spokesman Drew Hammill confirmed that flags will be flown at half mast to pay tribute to Walorski. Walorski was 58, Zachary Potts was 27, and Emma Thomson was 28.