Colorado is mourning the sudden loss of State Senator Faith Winter, a prominent Democratic lawmaker and advocate for transportation and environmental reform, who died in a multi-vehicle crash on the evening of November 26, 2025. The tragedy unfolded just after 6 p.m. on Interstate 25 near East Dry Creek Road in Centennial, a suburb southeast of Denver, according to authorities cited by The New York Post. The collision involved five vehicles, including a truck that was flipped onto its side, blocking the highway for hours and leaving three others injured. Winter, aged 45, was the only fatality in the crash. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office reported that the roadway was finally reopened just before midnight.
Investigators are still working to determine the precise cause of the accident. Deputy John Bartmann of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office told reporters, “The cause is going to take some time to figure out,” adding that officials are piecing together witness accounts and evidence from the scene, as reported by The New York Post. The identities and conditions of the three injured individuals have not yet been released by police.
Senator Winter’s death has sent shockwaves through Colorado’s political community and beyond. A joint statement from Colorado Senate President James Coleman and Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, posted on social media, captured the mood of the state’s Democratic caucus: “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. Senator Winter served our state with compassion and an unwavering belief in the power of public service to improve lives.” They continued, “We will miss her leadership, her partnership, and her deep commitment to a brighter Colorado. Our hearts are with Senator Winter's family and friends as they navigate this unimaginable loss. We ask that the public respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Governor Jared Polis also expressed deep sorrow, stating, “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 described Winter as a “fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, and families, and our climate.” Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold echoed these sentiments, writing that Winter was a “fierce advocate for her community and her state.”
Faith Winter’s career in public service spanned more than a decade. She was first elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 2014 before winning a seat in the Colorado Senate in 2019, where she represented Senate District 25 after redistricting. She was serving as Assistant Senate Majority Leader, the chamber’s third-highest-ranking position, and chaired the Transportation & Energy Committee. Winter also sat on the Business, Labor & Technology and Local Government & Housing Committees, as reported by The New York Post. Known for her advocacy on transportation and environmental issues, she held a degree in environmental management and biology from the University of the Redlands.
Her district included Broomfield and parts of Westminster and Northglenn, and she had previously served on the Westminster City Council. Winter’s reputation for public service and her commitment to improving the lives of Coloradans was widely recognized. She was term-limited after 2026, meaning her time in office was already set to end in the near future.
Winter is survived by her two children, Tobin and Sienna, and her fiancé, Matt Gray, who is himself a former state representative. Gray served three terms representing Colorado’s Congressional District 33, which includes Broomfield and Boulder, and was a member of the Transportation and Local Governments Committee, according to CPR News. However, Gray’s career was not without controversy. In April 2022, he was arrested on DUI charges in Broomfield, as reported by CBS News. While Gray denied intoxication at the time, stating in a since-deleted post on X that he was struggling with mental health issues, he ultimately pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired (DWAI) and served a five-day prison sentence.
Senator Winter’s own career was marked by both high achievement and moments of personal struggle. In 2024, a state Senate ethics committee found reason to believe she had violated the Senate’s ethics code after appearing intoxicated during a public meeting in Northglenn, according to CPR News. The city’s mayor submitted a complaint to the state legislature, noting that Winter “seemed to be, disinterested, annoyed, and combative, to the point where others had to intervene to cool tensions. In one notable example, she simply refused to answer one of my direct questions.” Following the incident, Winter issued a public apology, stating, “I deeply regret my behavior last night. I made a mistake and I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience or discomfort I caused. I take full responsibility for my actions and am committed to making things right. I especially apologize to the City of Northglenn and the citizens that came out. I deeply care about your thoughts and community.” She also acknowledged her struggle with alcohol use disorder and entered a treatment program, demonstrating a willingness to confront personal challenges head-on.
Despite these difficulties, Winter’s legislative achievements and advocacy work remained central to her public identity. She was especially noted for her efforts to improve Colorado’s transportation infrastructure and address environmental concerns, chairing the Transportation & Energy Committee and influencing policy in areas critical to the state’s future. Her colleagues and constituents alike have remembered her as a passionate, effective leader who never wavered in her commitment to public service.
With Winter’s passing, the process of selecting her replacement is already underway. A party vacancy committee will convene to choose who will serve the remainder of her term, ensuring that the people of Senate District 25 continue to have representation in the state legislature, as outlined by The New York Post. The state’s leaders have called for privacy and respect for Winter’s family as they grieve, and tributes continue to pour in from across the political spectrum.
The loss of Senator Faith Winter marks the end of a career defined by dedication to public service, advocacy for the environment, and a willingness to address personal and professional challenges with honesty and resolve. Her legacy will be felt in the halls of the Colorado Capitol and in the communities she served for years to come.
