A multi-vehicle crash in Centennial, Colorado, on Wednesday evening claimed the life of State Sen. Faith Winter, a Democrat widely known for her work on transportation and environmental policy. The five-car collision occurred on Interstate 25 near E. Dry Creek Road around 6 p.m., leaving Winter as the only fatality and injuring three others. Colorado Senate leaders expressed deep grief over the loss, calling her a devoted public servant whose dedication to the state never wavered. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, noting the investigation will take time. Images from the scene showed an overturned truck and several damaged vehicles before the highway was cleared and reopened shortly before midnight.
Winter, 45, began her political career in the Colorado House of Representatives in 2014 and won a seat in the state Senate in 2018. After redistricting, she represented the 25th Senate District and served as assistant Senate majority leader, the chamber’s third-highest position. She chaired the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee and also served on committees overseeing business, labor, local government, and housing. She was term-limited in 2026 and held degrees in environmental management and biology.
She is survived by her children, Tobin and Sienna, and her fiancé, former state Rep. Matt Gray. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Secretary of State Jena Griswold praised Winter as a fierce advocate for families, women, environmental causes, and hardworking Coloradans. Her passing, they said, leaves a lasting legacy. A party vacancy committee will select someone to complete the remaining year of her term.