BREAKING: GOP Rep. Jackie Walorski dies in Indiana car crash: Two aides also die after vehicle crashes into her car
Republican Congresswoman Jackie Walorski of Indiana died in a car accident on Wednesday.
The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office confirmed he was one of four victims in a car crash this afternoon. His Communications Director Emma Thomson and the Republican Chairman of the County of St. Joseph Zachery Potts were also killed.
Thomson, 28, was a resident of Washington, DC and Potts, 27, lived in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Walorski, 58, and his two helpers were driving southbound in Elkhart County, Indiana, when a northbound vehicle crossed the line and collided with his vehicle head-on. The driver of the northbound car, Edith Schmucker, 56, also died.
Republican Congresswoman Jackie Walorski of Indiana died in a car accident on Wednesday
Walorski, 58, and his two helpers were driving southbound in Elkhart County, Indiana, when a northbound vehicle crossed the line and collided with his vehicle head-on.
Walorski had represented Indiana’s second district since 2013 and was a member of the House Ethics Committee.
Walorski’s office released a statement after the crash: “Dean Swihart, Jackie’s husband, has just been notified by the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office that Jackie was killed in a car accident this afternoon . He has returned to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. We will have no further comment at this time.’
Walorski had represented Indiana’s 2nd District since 2013 and was the ranking member of the House Ethics Committee.
Walorski began her career as a television news reporter, and she and her husband spent four years as missionaries in Romania, where they created a foundation to provide food and medical supplies to impoverished youth. He also spent five years in the Indiana statehouse.
“My heart is heavy and I have no words. But all I can say is prayers for her family. She was a good and honorable public servant,” Rep. Adam Kinzinger wrote on Twitter.
“I am shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic death of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and the other victims of this terrible accident,” the Transportation Section said. Pete Buttigieg tweeted after the crash.
Thomson, 28, Walorski’s director of communications, also died in the crash
Zachary Potts, 27, chairman of the St. Louis County Republican Party. Joseph, died in the accident.
Walorski is pictured with her husband Dean and their dog
Thomson, Walorski’s communications director, previously served as communications director for Reps. John Joyce, R-Pa., and Michael Burgess, R-Texas, and as Joyce’s campaign manager.
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