Colorado Sen. Faith Winter, who was killed in a multi-vehicle crash Wednesday evening. The five-car pileup shut down a stretch of Interstate 25 in Centennial and left three other people injured. The tragedy stunned lawmakers across the state, many of whom praised Winter’s years of public service.
Investigators say it may take time to understand what led to the fatal crash.
The crash happened just after 6 p.m. in the city of Centennial, roughly 16 miles southeast of the statehouse in Denver, and left three others injured. The Colorado Democratic Caucus confirmed Winter was the only fatality in the collision, as per a report by The New York Post.
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Colorado Senate President James Coleman and Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez expressed their grief in a joint statement, saying, “We are devastated to learn of the passing of our colleague and friend, Senator Faith Winter. Today, our caucus grieves the loss of a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the people of Colorado never wavered.”
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Three people were injured in the pileup, though officials have not released updates on their conditions. The Colorado Sun reported that police are still gathering details.
The deadly incident occurred only minutes before evening traffic would typically worsen, adding to the challenge of clearing the heavily traveled stretch of highway.
Known for her work on transportation and environmental issues, Winter chaired the Transportation & Energy Committee and also served on the Business, Labor & Technology and Local Government & Housing Committees. Her background included a degree in environmental management and biology from the University of the Redlands.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis reacted to the news with deep sadness, saying, “Our state is shaken by the loss of Senator Faith Winter, and I send my deepest condolences to her children, loved ones, friends, and colleagues across our state.” He praised her as a “fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, and families, and our climate.”
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold echoed those sentiments, writing that Winter was a “fierce advocate for her community and her state.”
Winter leaves behind her two children, Tobin and Sienna, and her fiancé, former state Rep. Matt Gray. A party vacancy committee will decide who will serve the remainder of her term.
It occurred on Interstate 25 near E Dry Creek Rd in Centennial.
How many people were injured in the collision?
Three others were injured, though police have not released their conditions.
Investigators say it may take time to understand what led to the fatal crash.
The crash happened just after 6 p.m. in the city of Centennial, roughly 16 miles southeast of the statehouse in Denver, and left three others injured. The Colorado Democratic Caucus confirmed Winter was the only fatality in the collision, as per a report by The New York Post.
ALSO READ:Dog Show Thanksgiving 2025: What time is the National Dog Show 2025 on Thanksgiving? Here's all you need to know
Colorado Senate President James Coleman and Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez expressed their grief in a joint statement, saying, “We are devastated to learn of the passing of our colleague and friend, Senator Faith Winter. Today, our caucus grieves the loss of a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the people of Colorado never wavered.”
Where did the fatal crash occur?
Authorities said the crash unfolded along Interstate 25 near E Dry Creek Rd, blocking the highway for hours. Photos from the scene showed a truck flipped onto its side and several other vehicles heavily damaged. The roadway was eventually reopened just before midnight, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, as per a report by The New York Post.ALSO READ: Which coffee places are open on Thanksgiving? Here’s what to know about Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, etc, Thanksgiving hours before you head out
Three people were injured in the pileup, though officials have not released updates on their conditions. The Colorado Sun reported that police are still gathering details.
What do investigators know so far?
Officials say it may take time to determine what triggered the crash. Arapahoe County Sheriff Deputy John Bartmann told reporters, “The cause is going to take some time to figure out,” noting that investigators are piecing together information from witnesses and the scene, as per a report by The New York Post.The deadly incident occurred only minutes before evening traffic would typically worsen, adding to the challenge of clearing the heavily traveled stretch of highway.
Who was Sen. Faith Winter?
Winter, 45, had been a prominent figure in Colorado politics for more than a decade. She was first elected to the statehouse in 2014 as a member of the Colorado House of Representatives before winning a seat in the Colorado Senate in 2019, defeating Republican incumbent Beth Martinez Humenik. After redistricting, she went on to represent Senate District 25 and was serving as Assistant Senate Majority Leader, the chamber’s third-highest-ranking position. She was term-limited after 2026, as per a report by The New York Post.Known for her work on transportation and environmental issues, Winter chaired the Transportation & Energy Committee and also served on the Business, Labor & Technology and Local Government & Housing Committees. Her background included a degree in environmental management and biology from the University of the Redlands.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis reacted to the news with deep sadness, saying, “Our state is shaken by the loss of Senator Faith Winter, and I send my deepest condolences to her children, loved ones, friends, and colleagues across our state.” He praised her as a “fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, and families, and our climate.”
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold echoed those sentiments, writing that Winter was a “fierce advocate for her community and her state.”
Winter leaves behind her two children, Tobin and Sienna, and her fiancé, former state Rep. Matt Gray. A party vacancy committee will decide who will serve the remainder of her term.
FAQs
Where did the crash that killed Sen. Faith Winter happen?It occurred on Interstate 25 near E Dry Creek Rd in Centennial.
How many people were injured in the collision?
Three others were injured, though police have not released their conditions.
