Colorado is mourning the sudden death of State Senator Faith Winter, a longtime lawmaker and one of the state’s most influential voices on transportation, environmental policy, and family-focused legislation. Winter, 45, died Wednesday evening in a devastating multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 25 near Centennial, marking a tragic end to a political career defined by advocacy, resilience, and fearless public leadership.

Authorities say the crash unfolded around 6 p.m. in the northbound lanes of I-25 close to Dry Creek Road. According to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, five vehicles were involved, leaving at least three people injured and one person dead. While officials initially withheld the identity of the victim, multiple reports later confirmed that Winter was the lone fatality—a fact subsequently affirmed by her family and leading state Democrats.

Gov. Jared Polis expressed deep sorrow Wednesday night, describing Colorado as “shaken” by the loss. He announced that flags across the state would be flown at half-staff on the day of Winter’s memorial service, calling her “a fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, families, and our climate.” Polis added that he had known Winter for nearly two decades, working alongside her in movements centered on environmental justice, women’s political representation, and sweeping legislative reforms.

Winter’s death comes as she approached the end of her 12th and final year at the Capitol due to term limits. The Broomfield Democrat, a mother of two and recently engaged to former state Rep. Matt Gray, had earned recognition as one of the legislature’s strongest champions of public transit and sustainable infrastructure. As chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee, she helped shape Colorado’s long-term mobility vision and fought to secure billions in new funding for statewide transportation modernization.

Colleagues from both chambers described Winter as a rare combination of warmth and tenacity—someone whose compassion matched her legislative strength. Senate President James Coleman and Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez said they were “devastated,” emphasizing that her presence brought “an invaluable perspective to the Capitol.” House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran praised her as a “trailblazer” who consistently centered working families, environmental protections, and reproductive rights in her work.

Beyond policy, Winter was known for small, human moments that endeared her to staff and lawmakers alike—whether navigating the Capitol with her beloved dog, Queso, or offering comfort to colleagues experiencing difficult days. Her daughter occasionally sold Girl Scout cookies outside legislative chambers, a testament to Winter’s integration of family and public service.

Winter’s public career was marked by courage and resilience. In 2018, as a state representative, she spoke publicly about being sexually harassed by a fellow legislator. Her decision led to the historic expulsion of Rep. Steve Lebsock and sparked sweeping reforms to the legislature’s workplace harassment policies.

She also faced significant health challenges, including a life-threatening autoimmune diagnosis in 2022, a head injury from a cycling accident the following year, and a temporary leave from the legislature in 2024 to seek treatment for alcoholism—a decision that she addressed publicly and which earned widespread respect for its honesty.

Before joining the state legislature in 2014, Winter served on the Westminster City Council for eight years and became a national trainer for Democratic women seeking to run for office. Her decades-long dedication to public service earned her admiration well beyond her home district.

A Democratic vacancy committee will soon determine who will complete her term, though party leaders have asked for time to grieve before initiating the process.

As Colorado grapples with her sudden loss, Winter is being remembered not only for the policies she championed but for the humanity she brought to public life. Her legacy, colleagues say, is one of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to building a better, more inclusive Colorado.

FAQ

1. Who was Faith Winter?
Faith Winter was a Colorado state senator representing Broomfield, known for her leadership on transportation reform, environmental protection, family-support legislation, and women’s political empowerment.

2. How did she die?
She died in a five-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 near Centennial on Wednesday evening.

3. What were her major accomplishments?
Winter championed a statewide transportation funding overhaul, the paid family and parental leave program, expanded climate initiatives, and strengthened workplace harassment policies.

4. Did she have a family?
Yes. Winter was a mother of two and was engaged to former state Rep. Matt Gray.

5. What happens next regarding her Senate seat?
A Democratic vacancy committee will appoint someone to serve the remainder of her term.