Updated information was released Thursday morning from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department about a Wednesday afternoon crash that claimed the life of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski.
According to Elkhart County Sheriff Jeff Siegel, deputies from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two vehicle crash on State Road 19 south of State Road 119 just after 12:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 3. The continuing investigation has located eyewitness and video evidence.
Both confirm that the maroon Buick LeSabre driven by 56-year-old Edith Schmucker of Nappanee was traveling southbound on State Road 19 south of State Road 119 and a silver Toyota RAV 4 driven by 27-year-old Zachary Potts of Mishawaka was northbound on State Road 19, according to the report. Police say it was determined that the Toyota Rav 4 crossed the centerline for unknown reasons at this time and the two vehicles collided.
Police say both drivers died of injuries sustained in the crash. Congresswoman Walorski, 58, of Elkhart, was in the Toyota RAV 4, along with 28-year-old Emma Thompson of Washington, DC. They also both died of injuries.
Occupants of both vehicles were wearing seatbelts and airbags did deploy, according to the release.
The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office continues to interview witnesses and collect evidence from the scene and the vehicles. If anyone has information about the crash, call the Sheriff’s Office at 574-891-2300.
