Indiana Congresswoman Jackie Walorski Dies In Car Crash
Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., died Wednesday in a multi-car accident in her north-central Indiana district, her office said in a statement. She was 58.
The Elkhart County Sheriff said a car traveled left of the center lane and collided head-on with an SUV that Walorski was riding in, killing her and two aides: Zachery Potts, 27, her district director, and Emma Thomson, 28, her communications director. A 55-year-old woman driving the other car also died in the crash.
“Dean Swihart, Jackie’s husband, was just informed by the Elkhart County Sherrif’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,” Walorski’s office said in a statement.
The South Bend native was first elected to Congress in 2012. Her district includes South Bend and Elkhart. Walorski served on the House Ways and Means Committee.
NBC News reported that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered flags at the Capitol to be flown at half-staff.
Several politicians took to social media to honor Walorski.
My full statement on the passing of Jackie Walorski, my dear friend and one of the greatest public servants I’ve ever known: pic.twitter.com/nntvYAqttb
— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) August 3, 2022
“My prayers are with the family and staff of my colleague, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and the others who were tragically killed in a traffic collision today. Please keep them in your thoughts," Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., posted on Twitter.
My full statement on the passing of Jackie Walorski, my dear friend and one of the greatest public servants I’ve ever known: pic.twitter.com/nntvYAqttb
— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) August 3, 2022
Just seeing the awful news about Rep. Jackie Walorski. Heartbreaking.
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) August 3, 2022
I'll be praying for her family after this awful and shocking tragedy. May God surround and comfort them all.
Heartbroken to learn of the deaths of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski of Indiana, her driver, and her comms director.
— Tony Kinnett (@TheTonus) August 3, 2022
I first learned of her from her time reporting in South Bend. She & her husband were missionaries to Romania. Huge STEM advocate. A brilliant woman. pic.twitter.com/45DovxksbF
I'm deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. It was an honor to serve with her during her time on @COVIDOversight.
— James E. Clyburn (@WhipClyburn) August 3, 2022
My prayers are with her family and the families of those who also lost their lives in this terrible accident. May they rest in peace.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who previously served as the Mayor of South Bend, also took to Twitter to express condolences.
Though we came from very different places politically, she was always prepared to work together where there was common ground, always decent and straightforward, and she cared deeply about her work and her constituents.
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) August 3, 2022
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