Remembering Jackie Walorski

NAPPANEE, Ind. — U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., and two members of her staff, Emma Thomson and Zachery Potts, passed away in a tragic car accident Aug. 3.

The occupant of the other vehicle, Edith Schmucker, was also pronounced deceased at the scene.

Walorski’s SUV traveled left of the center lane and collided with Schmucker’s vehicle head on, according to a report from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office.

Walorski frequently advocated for Indiana farmers. In 2019, Indiana’s corn and soybean organizations gave her the “Friend of Farmer” award.

An outpouring of love and support from Indiana’s ag industry leaders has flooded the internet.

“This is a terrible loss and shock for Indiana. We were together today at the grand opening of Louis Dreyfus Company’s new soy liquid lecithin plant in Claypool, Indiana — a perfect example of how she was a champion for the farmers and the agricultural businesses in her district.”

Courtney Kingery, CEO

Indiana Corn Growers Association, Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance

“Rep. Walorski was a huge supporter of the livestock industry and agriculture in general. Our members appreciated her common-sense approach to our issues. Indiana Pork members in Jackie’s district had some of the closest, most genuine relationships with her of any I have seen in my career between pork farmers and members of our federal delegation. Their genuine appreciation for her said a lot about her not only as a politician, but as a person. She will be missed.”

Josh Trenary, executive director

Indiana Pork

“Today we lost a tireless advocate for northern Indiana. From myself and the members of Indiana Farm Bureau, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski on her tragic passing. We knew Jackie as an enthusiastic advocate for her constituents in the Statehouse and in Washington, D.C., and she was always a great friend to Indiana agriculture. Her natural leadership and energy for getting things done will be greatly missed.”

Randy Kron, president

Indiana Farm Bureau

“I’m truly devastated. Jackie loved Hoosiers and devoted her life to fighting for them. I’ll never forget her spirit, her positive attitude and most importantly her friendship. All of Indiana mourns her passing, along with the tragic deaths of her staff Emma Thomson and Zach Potts. Please join me in praying for their families in this difficult time.”

Todd Young, R-Ind.

U.S. Senator

“Earlier today I got the tragic news that my good friend — one of the first people I met when I was exploring the idea of running for Senate — was tragically killed in a car accident. All of us are on the road a lot, and when you spend those hours — endless sometimes — you never imagine that one day that could happen. When I heard that, it was the ultimate gut punch. Emma Thomson and Zach Potts were along with her: three Hoosiers that we will miss.”

Mike Braun, R-Ind.

U.S. Senator