Colorado is reeling after the sudden death of Faith Winter, a 45‑year‑old state senator, killed Wednesday evening in a five‑vehicle crash on northbound Interstate 25 south of Denver. The tragedy has left a void in the Capitol — and broken hearts across communities she served.
The collision occurred just before 6 p.m. near the Dry Creek Road exit in Arapahoe County, a busy stretch of highway often packed with evening commuters. According to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, one person died and three others were sent to hospitals with injuries. The crash triggered a lengthy closure of the northbound lanes as first responders worked the scene and investigators began piecing together what happened.
Later that evening, officials confirmed that Winter was the victim. At the time of her passing, she was nearing the end of her 12th and final year in the state legislature, constrained by term limits.
Winter’s unexpected death has stirred a powerful outpouring of grief from across Colorado. Jared Polis, the governor, issued a heartfelt statement, calling her “a fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, families, and our climate.” He said he had known her for nearly two decades — first as an environmental organizer, then as a champion for women’s leadership, and finally as a trusted lawmaker. Flags across the state were ordered lowered to half-staff in her honor.
Leaders from the state’s Democratic Senate caucus — including James Coleman and Robert Rodriguez — also weighed in, describing Winter as “a colleague whose presence brought warmth and an invaluable perspective to the Capitol.” They praised her thoughtful leadership style and unwavering commitment to service.
Her legacy runs deep. Over her years in public office — including service in the state House and on the Westminster City Council before reaching the Senate — Winter became known as a practical, compassionate lawmaker. She chaired the Senate Transport & Energy Committee and spearheaded major efforts to modernize Colorado’s transportation funding, promote public transit, and fight for environmental protections. Among her achievements was co-sponsoring a landmark 2019 climate law that set statutory greenhouse‑gas reduction targets for the state.
Beyond her policy wins, Winter was deeply human. Colleagues remember her as warm and approachable — often stopping for a hug if someone was having a bad day, or showing up at the Capitol with her dog. She had two children and was engaged to former state representative Matt Gray. Her sudden loss leaves behind a family and a community still struggling to process the shock.
Now, as investigators work to determine what caused the crash, Colorado is left reflecting on the life of a public servant who, day by day, fought to improve the lives of working families, protect the environment, and build a better state for all. Her absence will be felt — not just in the Capitol, but in every community she touched.
