Indiana Republican Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., was killed in a car crash in her home state of Indiana on Wednesday.
The vehicle Walorski was in caused the accident that killed her, two staff members and the driver of another vehicle, according to the Indiana Sheriff’s Office investigating the collision.
Initially, the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office reported that it was the other vehicle that crossed the center line, colliding head-on with Walorski’s vehicle as it traveled on a state highway in northern Indiana.
On Thursday, however, the sheriff’s office released a new statement based on eyewitnesses and video evidence correcting its preliminary findings.
Walorski staffer Emma Thomson and St. Joseph County Republican Party Chairman Zach Potts were also killed in the crash, according to the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office.
The driver of the other vehicle, Edith Schmucker, 56, of Nappanee, Indiana, also died in the crash, according to the sheriff’s office.
Potts was driving the vehicle that crossed the center line to cause the collision, according to the sheriff’s office. All four were wearing seat belts and the vehicle’s airbags deployed during the accident.
In a statement from the White House, President Joe Biden said he and First Lady Jill Biden were “shocked and saddened” by the news of Walorski’s death.
Walorski, 58, was born in South Bend, Ind., and was first elected to Congress in 2012. Before being elected to Congress, Walorski served three terms at the Indiana Statehouse, worked as a missionary in Romania and spent time as television. journalist and director of development in higher education.
News of Walorski’s death prompted an outpouring from congressional colleagues and others in Washington on both sides of the aisle. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered the US Capitol flags flown at half-mast to honor Walorski.
“A lifelong Hoosier, Congresswoman Walorski has lived a life of service: whether caring for poor children in Romania, representing her community in the Indiana Statehouse or serving near a decade in the House,” Pelosi said in a statement. of her northern Indiana constituents in Congress, and she was admired by her colleagues on both sides of the aisle for her personal kindness.”
The White House also announced it would fly flags at half mast on Wednesday and Thursday in honor of the congresswoman.
Former Vice President Mike Pence, a native of Indiana, said he was “heartbroken” over the loss of a “truly inspiring Indiana leader”.
“She served Indiana in the Statehouse and in Congress with integrity and principle for nearly two decades and will be deeply missed,” Pence tweeted.
House Republican Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., said in a prepared statement that he was “devastated” to learn of Walorski’s death.
“She was a champion for the people of Indiana, and she will be remembered for her kindness, tenacity and commitment to helping others,” he said. “Jackie and his associates died serving his constituents. We will miss them and our nation will miss their service. My prayers are with Jackie’s loving husband, Dean, his entire family and the families of his two employees.
Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., who served with Walorski on the Ways and Means Committee and co-chaired the Integrative Health and Wellness Caucus with the Indiana Congresswoman, sponsored bills on the breast cancer equity and nutritional care for people with eating disorders.
“During our time working together, I was constantly struck by his dedication to his district and his deep desire to find ways to make our healthcare system work for everyone,” Chu said in a statement to USA TODAY. .
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-California, said Congress has “lost one of our best.”
“Rep. Jackie Walorski was a true leader/legislator and the most thoughtful person one could hope to meet. She was dedicated and determined, and the kindest of colleagues – with a heart to match,” she said. declared it in a prepared statement.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a Democrat and Indiana native, praised Walorski for his approach even though they disagreed.
“Although we came from very different places politically, she was always willing to work together where there was common ground, always decent and direct, and she cared deeply about her work and her constituents. “, he tweeted on Wednesday.
Check back with USA TODAY for more on this developing story.
Contributors: Candy Woodall, Dylan Wells, Joey Garrison