Colorado State Sen. Faith Winter, a Democrat representing the 25th Senate District, was killed Wednesday night in a five-vehicle collision on Interstate 25 near Denver.
The crash occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on I-25 close to E Dry Creek Road, approximately 16 miles southeast of the Colorado State Capitol. Three other individuals sustained injuries in the multi-vehicle accident, which forced authorities to close a portion of the highway for several hours.
Winter, 45, was the only fatality in the collision. The road reopened shortly before midnight, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.
The Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash. “The cause is going to take some time to figure out,” Arapahoe County Sheriff Deputy John Bartmann said.
Images from the scene showed an overturned truck alongside multiple damaged vehicles. The sheriff’s office did not immediately disclose the conditions or identities of the other parties involved.
Winter’s Legislative Career
Winter first entered the Colorado House of Representatives in 2014 and was elected to the state Senate in 2018, defeating Republican incumbent Beth Martinez Humenik to represent the 24th Senate District. After redistricting, she began representing the 25th Senate District in 2023.
At the time of her death, Winter served as assistant Senate majority leader, the chamber’s third-highest-ranking position. She chaired the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee and sat on the Business, Labor & Technology and Local Government & Housing committees.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and state lawmakers have confirmed that Colorado State Senator Faith Winter died Wednesday in a multi-vehicle collision on I-25 just south of Denver, as newly released footage reveals the aftermath of the crash.
Her passing has left a deep shock across… pic.twitter.com/kzhknAu194
— Digital Daisy🌸 (@DigitalDaisyX) November 28, 2025
Winter held a degree in environmental management and biology from the University of Redlands and was known for her advocacy on transportation and environmental issues. She was term-limited in 2026.
State Officials React
Colorado Senate President James Coleman and Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez issued a joint statement: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of our colleague and friend, Senator Faith Winter. Today, our caucus grieves the loss of a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the people of Colorado never wavered.”
Gov. Jared Polis said, “Our state is shaken by the loss of Senator Faith Winter, and I send my deepest condolences to her children, loved ones, friends, and colleagues across our state. Faith was a fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, and families, and our climate.”
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold wrote on Facebook: “Faith Winter was a fierce advocate for her community and her state. She leaves a lasting legacy and will be missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and loved ones.”
Her Legacy
Winter is survived by her two children, Tobin and Sienna, and her fiancé, former state Rep. Matt Gray.
A party vacancy committee will determine who serves out the remaining year of Winter’s term in the state Senate.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital Desk contributed to this report.
