BREAKING: GOP Rep. Jackie Walorski dies in Indiana car crash: Two aides also die after vehicle crashes into her car
Walorski, 58, died Wednesday in the crash in Elkhart County, Indiana. A driver swerved into her lane and collided head-on with her vehicle Its communications director, Emma Thomson, 28, and the chairman of the Republican Party of St. Joseph, Zachery Potts, 27, were also killed.The driver of the other car, Edith Schmucker, also died at the sceneWalorski was the top Republican on the House Ethics CommitteeColleagues, including GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy, were quick to pay tribute
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
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.
The collision occurred around 12:30 this Wednesday
Walorski and his employees’ southbound vehicle collided with a northbound vehicle that swerved into its lane
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 top Republican on 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.
‘@KarenPence and I are heartbroken by the tragic death of our dear friend, Rep. Jackie Walorski. He served Indiana in the Statehouse and Congress with integrity and principle for nearly two decades and will be greatly missed,” former Vice President Mike Pence tweeted.
“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.
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 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.
Potts, in addition to presiding over the St. Joseph GOP, worked as a district manager for Walorski. He graduated from Indiana University in 2017.
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