One day after the fatal car crash that took the lives of Indiana Republican Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and her two aids, Emma Thomson and Zachery Potts, we learned a little more about what happened.
The SUV carrying the Indiana Rep. crossed the centerline of an Indiana highway on Wednesday, sparking the head-on collision that killed the representative and three others, according to new information from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office.
The story is contradictive from initial reports when a law enforcement agency had originally told reporters that the second vehicle, driven by Edith Schmucker, 56, of Nappanee, Indiana, had crossed the center line and caused the collision.
“The information from the preliminary investigation at the scene, as to the direction of travel of the vehicles, was not correct,” the Sheriff’s office said in a statement Thursday.
Walorski, 58, was riding in a Toyota Rav 4 driven by St. Joseph County Republican Party chairman Zachery Potts, 27, when the SUV “crossed the centerline for reasons that are unknown,” the Sheriff’s office said.
Former President Donald Trump sent his condolences via Truth Social immediately upon learning of the fatal crash.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, her aide Emma Thomson, and community leader Zachery Potts. Jackie was a wonderful woman and an impassioned advocate for the people of Indiana. We worked together very closely, and I was privileged to know her for many years. May the families and loved ones of Jackie, Emma, and Zachery find comfort during this tragic time. They will be greatly missed,” Trump posted.
Tributes also poured in for Rep. Jackie Walorski from both sides of the political aisle including Pete Buttigieg, Kevin McCarthy, Mike Pence, and others after her death.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered the flags around the US Capitol to be flown at half-staff in honor of Walorski, Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill announced on Twitter.
Republican Rep. Victoria Spartz mourned the loss of her delegation mate, calling her “a good friend and a strong fighter” online.
