On November 26, 2025, Colorado State Senator Faith Winter tragically died in a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 25, south of Denver, Colorado. The Broomfield Democrat was 45 years old at the time of her death, which happened near Dry Creek Road in Arapahoe County around 6 p.m. Her death sent tremors throughout Colorado’s political landscape as she was the sole fatality of the accident.

Deputy John Bartmann from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the northbound lanes of Interstate 25 were closed for several hours as emergency response teams attended to the scene. The road was reopened before midnight. Bartmann assured that a comprehensive investigation into the crash would be carried out.

The late Winter was serving her 12th and final year as a state legislator, set to be term-limited after 2026. She represented Senate District 25, which includes parts of Broomfield, Westminster, and Northglenn. Before her service in the state Senate, she was a member of the Colorado House of Representatives.

Winter, in her capacity as the chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee, was a vocal advocate for transit expansion and green policy. She was the assistant Senate majority leader, and her legislative efforts were primarily focused on transportation and energy matters. These efforts will continue to shape Colorado policy moving forward.

She is survived by two children and her fiancé, Matt Gray, a fellow Democrat and former state Representative. The family confirmed her death and asked for privacy during their difficult time. Winter was often seen at the Capitol with her dog, Queso.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who had a close relationship with Winter for over two decades, ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the late senator. “Our state is shaken by the loss of Senator Faith Winter,” Polis said. He praised her as “a fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, and families, and our climate.”

Senate President James Coleman and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, both Democrats from Denver, Colorado, expressed their sorrow over the loss of their colleague. “We are devastated to learn of the passing of our colleague and friend, Senator Faith Winter,” they stated in a joint statement. “Today, our caucus grieves the loss of a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the people of Colorado never wavered.”

House Speaker Julie McCluskie and House Majority Leader Monica Duran spoke highly of Winter as an outstanding legislator who defended the rights of workers. State Representative Shannon Bird also expressed profound sadness over Winter’s death.

Winter’s legislative achievements included the successful passage of transportation projects throughout Colorado. Throughout her career, she championed transit expansion, focusing on the improvement of infrastructure and environmental policy statewide.

She was known for her proactive approach to addressing the complex issues faced by Colorado citizens. Her commitment to public service and her constituents remained steadfast throughout her tenure at the Capitol, where she cultivated relationships across political lines while upholding Democratic principles.

Prior to her political career, Winter was involved in advocating for environmental causes and increased government representation. Her background in advocacy significantly influenced her legislative approach and dedication to addressing the needs of working families across Colorado.

As of mid-January, 2026, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office concluded its investigation into the accident that claimed Winter’s life. The findings determined Winter was at fault, with toxicology results from the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office indicating a blood alcohol concentration of 0.185% at the time of the crash — more than double Colorado’s legal limit of 0.08%.

Investigators clarified that the initially reported five-vehicle pile-up was actually two separate accidents that occurred near each other. Winter was involved in the second collision, where her Hyundai Ioniq 5 rear-ended a Ford F-350 flatbed truck. The truck had stopped in the left lane due to the first accident. The sheriff’s office noted that the F-350 “did not have visible rear taillights” but stated the truck’s driver “had been driving with due regard.”

A memorial service in honor of Winter was held on December 5 on the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol.

On January 5, State Rep. William Lindstedt was sworn in to fill the Senate District 25 seat left vacant by Winter. Lindstedt was selected by a vacancy committee in late December, but due to a paperwork delay, Governor Jared Polis made the official appointment. Lindstedt will serve the remainder of Winter’s term, set to end in early 2027, and he is also a candidate to represent the district in the forthcoming November election.