US Rep Jackie Walorski and two staffers killed in crash, Indiana cops say

Update, Aug. 4: Investigation into the crash that killed Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and three others revealed the reported direction each vehicle was traveling was not correct.

Authorities now say the SUV crossed the center line before the fatal collision. The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office previously reported the car had swerved into the other lane.

The SUV was driven by Zachery Potts, 27, and was northbound when it collided with a southbound car, authorities said. Walorski and Emma Thomson were passengers.

This update was made after investigators reviewed video evidence and talked with witnesses, according to an Aug. 4 news release.

“All occupants of both vehicles were confirmed to have been wearing seatbelts and airbags did deploy,” authorities said. “The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to interview witnesses and collect evidence from the scene and vehicles.”

The original story is below.

Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, a U.S. representative from Indiana, was one of several people killed in a crash, authorities said.

The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office responded to the two-vehicle crash shortly after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, according to a statement sent to McClatchy News.

“A northbound passenger car traveled left of center and collided head on with a southbound sports utility vehicle,” the statement reads.

All three occupants of the SUV died of crash-related injures, officials said. The victims include Walorski, Zachery Potts and Emma Thomson.

Potts served as Walorski’s district director, Politico reported, and Thomson was her communications director.

Edith Schmucker, driver of the northbound car, also died in the northern Indiana crash, officials said. She was 56.

Former Vice President Mike Pence, who served as governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017, said he and his wife were “heartbroken” by the death of Walorski, 58, whom he called a “dear friend.”

“She served Indiana in the Statehouse and the Congress with integrity and principle for nearly two decades and will be deeply missed,” Pence said.

Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy shared a statement on behalf of Walorski’s staff, confirming her death.

“It is with a heavy heart that I am sharing this statement,” he said.

“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.”

“Absolutely devastating news about the loss of Rep. Jackie Walorski. I’m at a loss for words. Jackie was a kind soul with a huge heart. She was a trusted colleague and good friend,” Congressman Drew Ferguson wrote on Facebook. “There was no one who fought harder for her constituents than Jackie. I’m going to miss her terribly. Keeping her entire family in my prayers.”

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

Walorski was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. A Republican, Walorski represents Indiana’s 2nd District, which includes South Bend, Elkhart and Mishawaka.

In 2020, she won her fifth term for her congressional seat, the South Bend Tribune reported. She was first elected in 2012.

Before becoming a U.S. congresswoman, Walorski was elected to the Indiana House in 2004, 2006 and 2008, the South Bend Tribune reported.

Warloski and her husband, Dean, “previously spent four years as missionaries in Romania, where they started and ran a foundation to provide food and medical supplies to impoverished children there,” according to a biography.

Elkhart County is in northern Indiana, east of South Bend.