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Indiana Second District Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, a Republican member of Congress from Indiana, was killed in a car crash on Wednesday in Elkhart County, Indiana, according to a release from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office. Walorski was 58 years old at the time of her death.

“A northbound passenger car traveled left of center and collided head-on with a southbound sports utility vehicle,” the release states. “All three occupants in the southbound vehicle died as a result of their injuries.”

Walorski died alongside two of her staffers, Zachery Potts and Emma Thompson. Emma Thomson was Walorski’s communications director.  Zachery Potts was Walorski’s district director.

The sole occupant of the northbound vehicle, Edith Schmucker, 56, Nappanee, Indiana, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Read the release:

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. 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, DC
The sole occupant of the northbound vehicle, Edith Schmucker, 56, Nappanee, Indiana was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Elkhart County Coroner’s Office and the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office are conducting the investigation.
No additional information will be released at this time.

“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. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers. We will have no further comment at this time,” Walorski’s office said.

Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy responded to the news on Twitter:

“It is with a heavy heart that I am sharing this statement from the Office of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski.”

Fellow Indiana Republican, Rep. Jim Banks, called Walorski a “dear friend and one of the greatest public servants I’ve ever known.”

Scalise Press Release –

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement on the passing of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.):

“I am devastated and saddened to learn about the tragic passing of my dear friend Jackie Walorksi 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.

“Jackie and her staffers died serving her constituents. They will be missed, and our nation will miss their service. My prayers are with Jackie’s loving husband Dean, her entire family, and the families of both of her staffers.”

Walorski was first elected to represent Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District in 2012. She previously served three terms in the state’s legislature.

The Elkhart County Coroner’s Office and the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.

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