State Senator Faith Winter of Colorado tragically lost her life in a car collision on November 26, 2025, on Interstate 25, south of Denver, Colorado. The news of the 45-year-old Broomfield Democrat’s death sent shockwaves throughout the state’s political community. Winter was the only fatality in the crash, which took place near Dry Creek Road in Arapahoe County around 6 p.m.
Deputy John Bartmann from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office reported that three other individuals were injured in the accident. The northbound lanes of Interstate 25 were shut down for several hours while emergency teams worked at the scene, with the road reopening before midnight.
Winter was in her 12th and final year as a state legislator, due to be term-limited after 2026. She represented Senate District 25, encompassing parts of Broomfield, Westminster, and Northglenn. Prior to her tenure in the state Senate, she served in the Colorado House of Representatives.
As the chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee, Winter was a strong proponent for transit expansion and environmental policy. She held the role of assistant Senate majority leader and her legislative efforts primarily centered on transportation and energy issues. These efforts will continue to influence Colorado policy in the future.
Winter is survived by two children and her fiancé, Matt Gray, who is also a former state Representative and a Democrat like Winter. A family statement confirmed her death and requested privacy during their time of grief. It was a common sight to see Winter at the Capitol with her dog, Queso.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who had known Winter for two decades, ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the late senator. “Our state is shaken by the loss of Senator Faith Winter,” Polis said. He lauded 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, expressed their grief over the loss of their colleague. “We are devastated to learn of the passing of our colleague and friend, Senator Faith Winter,” they shared 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 who championed the rights of working individuals. State Representative Shannon Bird expressed her deep sorrow over Winter’s death.
Among Winter’s noteworthy legislative accomplishments was the successful passage of legislation for transportation projects across Colorado. She advocated for transit expansion throughout her legislative career, working towards the enhancement of infrastructure and environmental policy across the state.
Winter was known for her readiness to address challenging issues faced by Colorado residents. Her dedication to public service and her constituents was a constant throughout her time at the Capitol, where she fostered relationships across party lines while upholding her commitment to Democratic values.
Before her political career, Winter worked towards promoting environmental causes and increasing representation in government. Her background in advocacy influenced her legislative approach and her 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 crash that claimed Senator Winter’s life, determining that Winter was at fault. Toxicology results from the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office showed 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 the earlier reported five-vehicle pile-up was in fact two separate accidents that happened close to each other. Winter was involved in the second collision, where her Hyundai Ioniq 5 rear-ended a Ford F-350 flatbed truck that 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 for Winter took place on December 5 on the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol.
On January 5, State Rep. William Lindstedt was sworn in to occupy Winter’s vacated Senate District 25 seat. A vacancy committee selected Lindstedt in late December, but due to the committee’s failure to submit the necessary paperwork by the deadline, Governor Jared Polis made the official appointment. Lindstedt will complete the remainder of Winter’s term, which concludes in early 2027, and is also running to represent the district in the upcoming November election.
