Denver, CO – Colorado State Senator Faith Winter, a respected figure in the state legislature, died tragically in a multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 25, south of Denver, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Winter was 45 years old and was serving her final year in the Senate due to term limits when the accident occurred near Dry Creek Road in Arapahoe County.
Winter, a Democrat from Senate District 25, which encompasses Broomfield, Westminster, and Northglenn, was pronounced dead at the scene around 6 p.m. Along with the senator, three other individuals sustained injuries in the five-car pileup. The specifics of their conditions have not yet been released.
Deputy John Bartmann of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office stated the investigation into the crash is ongoing, with roads reopening shortly before midnight. “Determining the cause is expected to take some time,” Bartmann noted, reflecting on the challenges facing authorities as they delve into the complexity of the incident.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed his grief over Winter’s passing in a statement issued late Wednesday, describing her as a “fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, families, and our climate.” He honored her memory by ordering flags to be flown at half-staff and recounted their long-standing association that began with environmental activism.
Winter leaves behind a lasting legacy that includes her roles as the chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee and the assistant Senate majority leader in 2023. Her extensive public service track record began on the Westminster City Council before she transitioned to state politics in 2014, initially elected to the Colorado House of Representatives and then to the Senate in 2019.
Her dedication to significant state issues was evident in her sponsorship of legislation increasing funding for transportation projects through new fees on fuel and ride-sharing services. She was also pivotal in advocating for a government-run paid family and parental leave program, championing the needs of working families.
In 2018, Winter was at the forefront of addressing workplace harassment within the legislature. Her brave testimony against a fellow lawmaker led to an overhaul of the harassment policies at the Capitol, underscoring her commitment to a respectful and safe working environment.
Winter’s personal life was intertwined with her political career; she was a mother of two and engaged to former state Representative Matt Gray. Described as empathetic and loving, she managed to balance her personal and professional responsibilities diligently.
The news of her death has left colleagues and constituents mourning a leader whose contributions stretched beyond policy into personal relationships. Both her presence in the Colorado Senate and her advocacy work have left indelible marks on the community she served.
Senate President James Coleman and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez expressed their deep sorrow, emphasizing her role in lending warmth and invaluable insight to the state legislature. They, along with other members of the House, remembered her as a beacon of kindness and strength in the Capitol.
A vacancy committee is expected to convene soon to decide on her successor for the remainder of her term. As the community reflects on her impactful career, Winter’s dedication to Colorado and its residents endures as a testament to her life and work.
In the wake of this tragedy, the political landscape in Colorado has been significantly altered, with Winter’s death highlighting the often unpredictable nature of life and the enduring impact of dedicated public service.