NAPPANEE — U.S Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, 58, is one of four people killed in a Wednesday wreck near Nappanee,
The crash occurred on Ind. 19, south of Ind. 119, where one car was heading south and another heading north at 12:32 p.m.
Walorski, a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Indiana's 2nd District, and two of her staff members were in an SUV headed south on Ind. 19. There is a roundabout at the Ind. 119 intersection. Her two staff members were identified as Zachery Potts, 27, Mishawaka, and Emma Thomson, 28, of Washington, D.C. Thomas was her communications director and Potts was district director.
The sole occupant of the northbound vehicle, Edith Schmucker, 56, Nappanee, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A report from the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office said the northbound passenger car traveled left of center and collided with Walorski's vehicle head on.
REACTIONS
Walorski has represented the 2nd District since 2013 and has touched many lives along the way. She was hoping for reelection this year.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has ordered the flags at the U.S. Capitol to be flown at half-staff in honor of Walorski.
A statement from Walorski's office reads, "Dean Swihart, 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."
Jim Banks stated on Twitter, “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. 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 her Jackie’s loved ones and the friends and family of her two staff members who also lost their lives in this tragic accident.”
Elkhart Mayor Rod Robertson stated, "I am shocked and saddened to learn of Rep. Jackie Walorski's passing and the passing of her staff members. This is a devastating loss for Elkhart, Indiana, and for the nation. Jackie was a warrior for Hoosiers in Washington and her collaboration and passion was felt right here in Elkhart. Her dedication to serving our community will be hard to replace. Her family, her colleagues, and her staff are in my prayers."
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sent a press release stating, "Jackie Walorski was a woman who stood strong in her values, cared for her family, and served Hoosiers well. I have many great memories and stories of our time together in Congress and on the campaign trail. In addition to everything else, she had a great sense of humor. She will be missed. Our sympathies also go out to the families of Zach Potts and Emma Thomson who died in the same tragic accident. Hoosiers across the state mourn the loss of these public servants."
U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, Indiana, said, "Jackie Walorski was a tireless advocate for the Hoosiers she represented and a kind friend to everyone she met. She faithfully served her constituents and her Lord and Savior, and I trust she is now wrapped in the arms of Christ. This is a devastating loss, and we grieve for her two staff members — Zach and Emma — who had their whole lives ahead of them. Please join me and Maureen in praying for the families and friends of those lost on this tragic day for Indiana.”
“We mourn the loss of Representative Jackie Walorski who supported protections for the most vulnerable among us,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “The pro-life movement is deeply indebted to Congresswoman Walorski for her service on behalf of the unborn.”
Congresswoman Walorski had a 100% voting record with National Right to Life, the statement reads.
Tobias added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the congresswoman’s family at this time.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence writes, "Karen Pence and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our dear friend Rep. Jackie Walorski. She served Indiana in the Statehouse and the Congress with integrity and principle for nearly two decades and will be deeply missed."