ELKHART COUNTY, Ind.–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 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.
Walorski was 58, served as a news reporter and anchor in northern Indiana, and was first elected to serve in the Indiana House in 2004, where she worked closely with then-governor Mitch Daniels.
“There could not be worse news. I’m heartsick at this tragedy. Jackie Walorski was a great public servant, a brave and constant ally for change during all my years in elected office, and a great representative of her district at both the state and national levels. I can’t say how much I’ll miss her,” said Daniels, Wednesday.
Walorski’s Congressional colleagues remembered her with statements Wednesday afternoon.
“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 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 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.
Congressman Andre Carson said he is praying for Walorski’s family and constituents.
“I am heartbroken to hear of the untimely passing of my colleague, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, two of her Senior Staffers and others who passed today in an automobile crash in Northern Indiana,” he Tweeted.
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.
