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Representative Jackie Walorski (R-IN) (58) was killed Wednesday in a traffic accident north of the city of Nappanee. The driver of the vehicle, as well as her district director, Zachery Potts (27), and her communications director, Emma Thomson (28), were killed on impact.t
According to Elkhart County police, the accident occurred around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on State Road 19, south of State Road 119.
Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) was killed in a car crash along with her district director, Zachery Potts, and communications director, Emma Thomson, according to the Elkhart County Sheriff. Terrible news.
— Rebecca Kaplan (@RebeccaRKaplan) August 3, 2022
The report indicated that an oncoming passenger car left the roadway and struck the vehicle in which Rep. Walorski was traveling with two members of her staff head-on.
The woman driving the other vehicle, identified as Edith Schmucker (56), was also killed in the crash.
House Republican Conference Chairman Elise Stefanik issued a statement breaking the news and offering her condolences to the family and friends of Walorski and her staff.
“The entire House Republican Conference is heartbroken by the tragic passing of our colleague and friend, Jackie Walorski, and her two staffers Zachery Potts and Emma Thomson,” says the release.
Stefanik’s missive describes Walorski as a woman “beloved by all her colleagues,” a believer and committed to her religious values, who showed “dedication, principles, hard work and endless compassion” in her professional practice.
“To say she will be missed does not fully embody the void that will be felt by her absence.” the statement continued. “We pray for the family, friends, colleagues, constituents, and the communities of Jackie, Zachery, and Emma at this incredibly difficult time.”
Tomás Lugo, journalist and writer. Born in Venezuela and graduated in Social Communication. Has written for international media outlets. Currently living in Colombia // Tomás Lugo, periodista y articulista. Nacido en Venezuela y graduado en Comunicación Social. Ha escrito para medios internacionales. Actualmente reside en Colombia.