ELKHART COUNTY — The crash that killed U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and three other people Wednesday happened after the car they were traveling in crossed a center line and struck another vehicle, officials now say.
The Elkhart County Sheriff's Office originally said it was the second vehicle that crossed over and struck an SUV occupied by Walorski and two of her staffers — Emma Thomson and Zachery Potts, who was driving at the time.
The driver of the second vehicle, Edith Schmucker, was also pronounced dead at the scene.
The sheriff's office said in an update Thursday Walorski and her staffers were traveling northbound on IN 19 in an SUV when the vehicle crossed over "for reasons that are unknown at this time."
At the same time, Schmucker was traveling northbound on IN 19 south of IN 119 when her vehicle was struck by the SUV with Walorski inside.
"All occupants of both vehicles were confirmed to have been wearing seatbelts and airbags did deploy," the sheriff's office said.
Potts was a member of the St. Joseph County Republican Party and the Indiana Republican State Committee. Thomson was Walorski’s communications director.
According to her congressional biography, Walorski was born in South Bend and served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 2004 to 2010 before being elected to the U.S. Congress in 2013.
She served Indiana's second Congressional district.
The sheriff's office has asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash or have more information to contact them at 574-891-2300.
-
Project will give pedestrians more room to cross bridge over Interstate 65/70
Neighbors will soon install temporary barriers on Calvary Street across Interstate 65/70. When it is in place, pedestrians and cyclists can safely use a lane normally reserved for cars.
North Indy campus looks to draw remote workers back to the office
5 years after COVID-19, Carmel Gateway hopes its amenities will encourage companies to invest in office space.
NCAA Division II Sports Festival in Indy inspiring the next generation
The NCAA Division II championships festival is being held in Indianapolis for the first time ever and it's serving as an inspiration for local students.
Healthcare systems reflect on COVID-19 pandemic 5 years later
The COVID-19 pandemic strained hospitals, clinics and healthcare workers. There were empty roads, closed businesses, travel bans, face masks, curfews and more.
