GOP Rep. Jackie Walorski dies in car accident in Indiana

Rep. Jackie Walorski, a Republican representing Indiana’s 2nd congressional district in Congress, died in a car accident on Wednesday.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) confirmed the news in a statement from Walorski’s office announcing the congresswoman’s death.

Rep. Jim Banks (R-3rd) issued the following statement:

“My heart is broken for Dean, the Walorski family, and all who knew and loved my friend Jackie. Jackie was a true public servant –selfless, humble, and compassionate. She was a devout Christian, a passionate advocate for life, and a leader among Hoosier representatives. Everything Jackie did was to serve others. Before Congress, she served in the Indiana Statehouse and she and her husband served as missionaries in Romania where they provided impoverished children food and medical care. From my first day in Congress, Jackie showed me kindness and grace. She had a heart of gold, and I will miss her dearly. Please join Amanda and I in praying for Jackie’s loved ones and the friends and family of her two staff members who also lost their lives in this tragic accident.”

Four people, including U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski have died after a crash in Elkhart County.

The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on State Road 19 south of State Road 119. A northbound car traveled left of center, colliding head-on with a southbound vehicle.

Congresswoman Walorski, Zachary Potts with the St. Joseph County Republican Party, and Walorski’s communications director Emma Thompson all died in the crash.

The northbound vehicle driver also died in the crash.