A five-car crash on Interstate 25 in Centennial, Colorado, killed State Senator Faith Winter on Wednesday evening. The collision happened shortly after 6 p.m. near E Dry Creek Road and shut down the highway for hours. Winter was the only fatality, and three others were injured. Officials have not released updates on their conditions. Photos showed an overturned truck and heavily damaged vehicles, and the road reopened just before midnight.

Colorado Senate President James Coleman and Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez said they were devastated, calling Winter “a dedicated public servant whose commitment to Colorado never wavered.” Governor Jared Polis also mourned her, describing her as a “fierce advocate.” Secretary of State Jena Griswold said Winter leaves behind a meaningful legacy.

Winter, 45, began her political career in the Colorado House after being elected in 2014. In 2018, she won a state Senate seat by defeating Republican Beth Martinez Humenik, and after redistricting, she represented the 25th District starting in 2023.

At the time of her death, Winter was assistant Senate majority leader, the chamber’s third-highest-ranking role. She was term-limited in 2026. She is survived by her children, Tobin and Sienna, and her fiancé, former state Representative Matt Gray.

Winter was known for her work on transportation, environmental policy, and support for working families. She chaired the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee and served on several others. She held a degree in environmental management and biology from the University of Redlands. A party vacancy committee will choose who fills the remaining year of her term.