U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski
U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski
Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office released new information Thursday correcting the information they put out Wednesday on the fatal crash that killed U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and three others.

The information from the preliminary investigation at the scene, as to the direction of travel of the vehicles, was not correct, the ECSO release states. The continuing investigation has located eyewitness and video evidence.  Both confirm that the maroon Buick LeSabre, driven by Edith Schmucker, 56, Nappanee, was southbound on Ind. 19, south of Ind. 119, and the silver Toyota RAV 4, driven by Zachery Potts, 27, Mishawaka, was northbound on Ind. 19. The Toyota RAV 4 crossed the centerline for reasons that are unknown at this time and the two vehicles collided.

All occupants of both vehicles were confirmed to have been wearing seatbelts and airbags did deploy.  

The ECSO is continuing to interview witnesses and collect evidence from the scene and vehicles.  

The accident occurred at approximately 12:32 p.m. Wednesday.

If anyone has information or witnessed this crash, they are asked to contact the sheriff’s office.

Killed in Wednesday’s crash were Walorski, 58, Elkhart; Potts; Emma Thomson, 28, Washington, D.C.; and Schmucker.

Walorski had just attended the Louis Dreyfus Company’s grand opening of its new soy liquid lecithin plant in Claypool until about noon Wednesday.

LDC released the following statement Thursday afternoon: “Yesterday we received the tragic news of the passing of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, and two members of her staff, Emma Thompson and Zachery Potts. This sad news came on the same day they attended our inaugural event.

“Over years of positive and fruitful exchanges with the Congresswoman, we observed her unwavering and exemplary dedication and support for the development and welfare of her community. Her work touched the lives of many people for the better, including all of us at LDC, and she will be greatly missed.

“Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of Congresswoman Walorski, Ms. Thomson and Mr. Potts, during this very sad and difficult time.”

According to a post on Walorski’s Facebook page, a community memorial vigil to remember and pray for the families and friends of Walorski, Potts and Thomson was scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday at Jimtown High School east side parking lot.