Representative Jackie Warloski, a U.S. Congresswoman representing Indiana’s 2nd district, was killed in a car crash Wednesday. Two of Warloski’s staffers, District Director Zachery Potts, 27, and Communications Director Emma Thompson, 28, were also killed in the crash, according to the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office.
The office said the crash occurred when the vehicle with Walorski, driven by Potts, crossed into the other lane and struck a car going south at the intersection of State Road 19 and State Road 119.
The driver of the car that was hit, Edith Schmucker, 56, was also killed in the collision.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy gave his condolences in a Tweet today.
“This news is absolutely devastating,” McCarthy said. “Jackie was a dear friend, trusted advisor, and the embodiment of integrity who achieved the admiration and respect of all her colleagues in the House.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi ordered the flags at the U.S. Capitol to be flown half-staff due to Warloski’s passing.
Warloski’s district encompasses ten counties in northern Indiana, including the cities South Bend and Elkhart.
CORRECTION: The article has been updated to reflect new information from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department that contradicted its preliminary findings.
