The sole occupant of the second vehicle was identified as 56-year-old Edith Schmucker of Nappanee, Indiana.
All four have been announced dead. One person is reported to be Walorski’s communications director, Emma Thompson.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who is from the area, posted on Twitter: “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.”
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.
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) August 3, 2022
Republican Leader and Representative of California’s 23rd District Kevin McCarthy shared a message on Twitter, saying: “It is with a heavy heart that I am sharing this statement from the Office of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski.”
It is with a heavy heart that I am sharing this statement from the Office of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. pic.twitter.com/UEPoKBDf5N
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) August 3, 2022
The message from her office read: “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 have no further comment at this time.”
Congresswoman Lauren Boebert tweeted: “Just seeing the awful news about Rep. Jackie Walorski. Heartbreaking.
“I’ll be praying for her family after this awful and shocking tragedy. May God surround and comfort them all.”
Just seeing the awful news about Rep. Jackie Walorski. Heartbreaking.
I'll be praying for her family after this awful and shocking tragedy. May God surround and comfort them all.
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) August 3, 2022
Story cited here.
