Indiana Congresswoman Jackie Walorski has died in a car wreck in Elkhart County. Multiple news outlets in northern Indiana reported on the wreck and her death Wednesday.
Killed along with Walorski were several other people, including her driver and communications director.
The wreck happened at about 12:30 p.m. when a car crossed the center line and hit the SUV, in which Walorski was a passenger, head-on.
Zachery Potts, 27, of Mishawaka and Emma Thomson, 28, of Washington, DC were the names of the people with Walorski who died.
Edith Schmucker, 56, the driver of the other vehicle, was also killed.
“My heart is broken for Dean, the Walorski family, and all who knew and loved my friend Jackie. Jackie was a true public servant—selfless, humble, and compassionate,” said her colleague, Congressman Jim Banks.
“She was a devout Christian, a passionate advocate for life, and a leader among Hoosier representatives. Everything Jackie did was to serve others. Before Congress, she served in the Indiana Statehouse, and she and her husband served as missionaries in Romania, where they provided impoverished children’s food and medical care. From my first day in Congress, Jackie showed me kindness and grace. She had a heart of gold, and I will miss her dearly. Please join Amanda and I in praying for Jackie’s loved ones and the friends and family of her two staff members who also lost their lives in this tragic accident,” he said.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said she was shocked to get the news of Walorski’s passing.
“Jackie and I served together in the Indiana House of Representatives, and she was a fighter for her constituents and conservative Hoosier values. My heart goes out to her husband, Dean, and the rest of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed,” said Crouch.
The governor has ordered flags at half-staff and now has the duty of setting a date for a special election to fill her seat.
