Jackie Walorski, the Republican U.S. Rep. died in a fatal car crash on Wednesday alongside her staff traveling with her. She was 58 years old. The northbound vehicle driver involved in the collision also passed away. Read on to know what happened and how it happened.
Her office announced the tragic news of her untimely death. “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,” they wrote in a statement.
The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office mentioned they were called to the scene of a two-vehicle crash just after noon. The police said a car collided with Walorski’s car head-on leading to several casualties.
How did Jackie Walorski die?
Congresswoman Jackie Walorski died on Wednesday after being indulged in a car accident in her northern Indiana District. According to the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office, the police were called to the scene of a two-vehicle crash at around 12:30 PM on Wednesday, August 3, 2024.
The police revealed that a car traveled left of the center lane and collided head-on with an SUV Walorski was riding in. The collision killed Walorski, Zachary Potts, and Emma Thomson. The driver of the other vehicle was also killed in the accident.
Emma Thomson is Walorski’s communications director and representative of the St. Joseph County Republican Party. The Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi ordered the flags at the U.S Capitol to be flown at half-staff due to Congresswoman’s death.
What was the cause of Jackie Walorski’s Fatal Accident?
Jackie Walorski’s SUV was involved in a deadly accident this Wednesday in her northern Indiana District. According to the police, the crash happened just after noon on State Road 19 south of State Road 19.
A northbound car driven by a 55-year-old woman who also died in the crash hit Walorski’s SUV head-on. The police are currently investigating the exact cause of the accident. “The preliminary information may have been incorrect,” said the police in a statement.
The reconstruction crews will reexamine the evidence in the morning and more information will be available. Walorki’s burial will also take place on the same day. We’ll update this post with further information.
Who was Jackie Walorski?
Jackie Walorski was born on August 17, 1963, in South Bend, Indiana. She was an American politician and U.S. representative for Indiana’s 2nd congressional district from 2013 until her death earlier today. She was first elected to represent the district in 2012.
Before that, she served three terms in the state’s legislature. She lived near Elkhart, Indiana alongside her husband. They were previously missionaries in Romania and established a foundation there that provided food and medical supplies to impoverished children.
Unfortunately, her husband Dean Swihart who was also a school teacher, almost died earlier this year due to a heart stroke. Walorski had also worked as a television news reporter in South Bend before making her way into politics.
She died an untimely and tragic death this Wednesday. Governor Eric Holcomb has directed flags in the State of Indiana to be flown at half-staff until Walorski’s burial.
Lawmakers Respond to Walorski’s Tragic Accident
The lawmakers and the public have been shocked about Jackie Walorski’s untimely passing. President Joe Biden and Walorski’s colleagues in Congress have mourned her death.
Everyone will remember her as an honorable public servant who strived to work across party lines to deliver her responsibilities.
“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,” said Mayor Rod Roberson.
“I’m shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and the other victims of this terrible crash.
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,” said Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
“I’m truly devastated. Jackie loved Hoosiers and devoted her life to fighting for them. I’ll never forget her spirit, her positive attitude, and most importantly her friendship. All of Indiana mourns her passing, along with the tragic deaths of her staff Emma Thomson and Zach Potts. Please join me in praying for their families in this difficult time,” said Senator Todd Young.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to her husband, family, and friends in the tough times. May God let the departed soul rest easy.
this article originally posted on BareillyCollege.org
