Colorado State Senator Faith Winter Dies in Fatal Multi-Car Crash
Just when Colorado’s political landscape seemed turbulent enough, tragedy struck on a busy highway. State Sen. Faith Winter, a respected Democratic lawmaker, died Wednesday evening in a multi-car accident that also injured three others, leaving the state in grief and uncertainty.
The collision occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on Interstate 25 in Centennial, near E Dry Creek Road, roughly 16 miles southeast of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. Winter was the only fatality in the five-vehicle crash.
Authorities have not yet released detailed information about the cause, with Arapahoe County Sheriff Deputy John Bartmann noting that determining the cause “is going to take some time.”
Colorado Senate leaders expressed deep sorrow. In a joint statement, Senate President James Coleman and Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez said:
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of our colleague and friend, Senator Faith Winter. Today, our caucus mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the people of Colorado never wavered.”
Images from the scene showed a truck overturned among other damaged vehicles, and Interstate 25 was reopened shortly before midnight.
Winter, 45, first entered public office in 2014 as a member of the Colorado House of Representatives. She was elected to the state Senate in 2018 after defeating Republican incumbent Beth Martinez Humenik in the 24th Senate District and, following redistricting, represented the 25th Senate District from 2023. At the time of her death, she served as assistant Senate majority leader and chaired the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee, also holding membership on the Business, Labor & Technology and Local Government & Housing committees.
Known for her strong advocacy on environmental and transportation issues, Winter earned a degree in environmental management and biology from the University of Redlands. She is survived by her two children, Tobin and Sienna, and her fiancé, former state Rep. Matt Gray.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis shared his condolences:
“Our state is shaken by the loss of Senator Faith Winter…Faith was a fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, and families, as well as for our environment. Her work and advocacy improved the lives of countless Coloradans, and I am deeply saddened for her family and community.”
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold also paid tribute, calling Winter a “fierce advocate for her community and her state,” and noting that her legacy will be long remembered.
A party vacancy committee is expected to select a successor to serve the remainder of Winter’s Senate term.
Winter’s death comes amid ongoing political and legal turbulence in Colorado, including prior efforts by Democratic-led states to prevent former President Donald Trump from appearing on the 2024 ballot—a challenge ultimately overruled by the Supreme Court.
Conclusion
The sudden passing of Senator Faith Winter leaves Colorado mourning a dedicated public servant whose work significantly impacted transportation, environmental policy, and her constituents. While the state seeks answers about the accident, her legacy of advocacy and leadership will endure.