Rep. Jackie Walorski of the 2nd District was killed in a head-on collision near Nappanee in Elkhart County, Ind., on the afternoon of Aug. 3. Her communications director, Emma Thomson, and her district director, Zach Potts, were also killed, along with the driver of the other car.

Several agricultural leaders shared their thoughts soon after the news of the Republican representative’s death filtered across Indiana. Randy Kron, an Evansville farmer and president of Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., issued this statement:

“Today we lost a tireless advocate for northern Indiana,” Kron said. “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.”

Meanwhile, Courtney Kingery, CEO of the Indiana Soybean Alliance, the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the Indiana Corn Growers Association, issued a statement on behalf of all the groups she represents:

“We are simply heartbroken to hear about Rep. Walorski’s sudden and tragic passing and that of her staff, District Director Zach Potts and Communications Director Emma Thomson,” Kingery said. “We send our deepest condolences to Rep. Walorski’s husband, Dean, the families of Mr. Potts and Ms. Thomson, and her staff. This is a terrible loss and shock for Indiana.”

Kingery recounted how she was with Walorski earlier in the day at the grand opening of Louis Dreyfus Co.’s new soy liquid lecithin plant in Claypool, Ind. Walorski delivered remarks at the event, thanking the company for continued investment in northern Indiana.

Kingery described it as a perfect example of how Walorski was a champion for farmers and agricultural businesses in her district.

“Rep. Walorski advocated for Indiana farmers frequently, and in 2019 we presented her with our Friend of Farmer award,” Kingery’s statement continues. “She will be remembered as a dedicated leader who helped Indiana’s farmers achieve the highest value for their crops.

“Rep. Walorski, Mr. Potts and Ms. Thomson will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved in the accident today.”

The accident occurred shortly after Walorski left the event. Indiana Prairie Farmer adds its condolences to the families affected, noting that Indiana has lost an advocate for agriculture and rural America.