Colorado State Senator Faith Winter died Wednesday evening, November 26, 2025, in a five-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 south of Denver, sending shockwaves through the state’s political community. The 45-year-old Broomfield Democrat was the sole fatality in the collision that occurred around 6 p.m. near Dry Creek Road in Arapahoe County.
Three other people were injured in the crash, according to Deputy John Bartmann of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. The northbound lanes of Interstate 25 were closed for several hours as emergency crews responded to the scene, with the roadway reopening before midnight. Bartmann said the investigation into the cause would take considerable time.
Winter was entering her 12th and final year as a state lawmaker, having been term-limited after 2026. She represented Senate District 25, which includes portions of Broomfield, Westminster, and Northglenn. Before joining the state Senate, she served in the Colorado House of Representatives.
As chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee, Winter was recognized as a fierce advocate for transit expansion and environmental policy. She held the position of assistant Senate majority leader. Her legislative portfolio focused on transportation and energy issues that will shape Colorado policy for years to come.
Winter leaves behind two children and her fiancé, former state Representative Matt Gray, a fellow Democrat. Her family released a statement confirming her passing and requesting privacy during this difficult time. At the Capitol, Winter reportedly brought her dog, Queso, to work.
Governor Jared Polis, who said he had known Winter for 20 years, ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the senator. “Our state is shaken by the loss of Senator Faith Winter,” Polis said in a statement. He called her “a fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, and families, and our climate.”
Senate President James Coleman and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, both Denver Democrats, expressed devastation at the loss of their colleague. “We are devastated to learn of the passing of our colleague and friend, Senator Faith Winter,” the senators said 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 described Winter as an exceptional legislator and champion for working people. State Representative Shannon Bird said she was heartbroken by Winter’s passing.
Among Winter’s significant legislative achievements was passing legislation for transportation projects across Colorado. She championed transit expansion throughout her tenure in the legislature, working to improve infrastructure and environmental policy across the state.
Winter’s career was marked by her willingness to tackle difficult issues facing Colorado residents. Her dedication to public service and her constituents remained constant throughout her time at the Capitol, where she built relationships across party lines while maintaining her commitment to Democratic values.
Before entering elected office, Winter worked to advance environmental causes and expand representation in government. Her background in advocacy shaped her approach to legislation and her commitment to addressing the needs of working families throughout Colorado.
As of mid-January 2026, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office has completed its investigation into the crash that killed Senator Winter, determining that Winter was at fault. Toxicology results from the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office revealed Winter had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.185% at the time of the crash — more than twice Colorado’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Investigators clarified that what was initially reported as a five-vehicle pileup was actually two separate crashes that occurred in close proximity. Winter was involved in the second collision, in which her Hyundai Ioniq 5 rear-ended a Ford F-350 flatbed truck that had stopped in the left lane behind the first accident. The sheriff’s office noted that the F-350 “did not have visible rear taillights” but determined the truck’s driver “had been driving with due regard.”
A memorial service 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 Winter’s Senate District 25 seat. A vacancy committee selected Lindstedt in late December, though Gov. Jared Polis ultimately made the formal appointment after the committee failed to submit required paperwork by the deadline. Lindstedt will serve out the remainder of Winter’s term, which ends in early 2027, and is also running to represent the district in November’s election.
