A Colorado state senator lost her life in a devastating multi-vehicle crash Wednesday night, a sudden tragedy that also left three others injured and many questions unanswered.
Sen. Faith Winter was the only life lost in a tragic five-vehicle pileup that brought part of the highway in Centennial to a standstill just after 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Colorado Democratic Caucus.
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,” Colorado Senate President James Coleman and Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez said in a joint statement.
Colorado State Sen. Faith Winter addresses reporters at a press conference inside Denver’s State Capitol on April 24, 2025, delivering remarks that would later take on even deeper significance. Denver Post via Getty Images
The fatal crash unfolded along Interstate 25 near East Dry Creek Road in Centennial, roughly 16 miles southeast of Denver’s state Capitol—a stretch of highway now at the center of a heartbreaking tragedy.
Three additional victims were rushed from the scene with injuries, but authorities have been tight-lipped about their conditions—an information gap that has left the public searching for clarity, The Colorado Sun reported.
Authorities are now working to piece together what caused the crash as the investigation continues.
"The cause is going to take some time to figure out," said Deputy John Bartmann of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by the outlet.
A truck rested on its side in the middle of a cordoned-off highway, amid wrecked vehicles and a haunting scene of destruction, as shown in photos from CBS Colorado.
The sheriff’s office announced that police had reopened the highway shortly before midnight, bringing an end to hours of gridlock.
Police examine the aftermath of a fatal I-25 crash in Centennial on Nov. 26, 2025, as the community reels from the tragedy. CBS Colorado / YouTube
After the deadly crash, a truck was left flipped on its side amid a cluster of damaged cars. CBS Colorado / YouTube
The 45-year-old politician first won a seat in the Colorado House of Representatives in 2014, marking the start of her career in the statehouse.
In 2019, she was elected to represent Colorado’s 24th Senate District, unseating Republican incumbent Beth Martinez Humenik.
Since 2023, after redistricting, Winter has served Colorado’s 25th Senate District and held the post of Assistant Senate Majority Leader, the third-ranking position in the Senate.
She would be required to step down in 2026 because of term limits.
She leaves behind her beloved children, Tobin and Sienna, and her fiancé, former state Rep. Matt Gray.
A steadfast supporter of sustainable transportation and environmental policies, she made these issues a hallmark of her career.
At the time of her passing, she served as Chair of the Transportation & Energy Committee and was an active member of the Business, Labor & Technology and Local Government & Housing Committees, according to her Senate biography.
She earned her degree in environmental management and biology from the University of Redlands.
Sen. Faith Winter following the votes on a bill by the Senate Finance, Transportation, and Energy Committees on March 12, 2019. Denver Post via Getty Images
Winter is survived by her two children, Tobin and Sienna, and her fiancé, former state Rep. Matt Gray. Senator Faith Winter
Gov. Jared Polis joined other Colorado politicians in expressing grief and condolences following Winter’s passing.
“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,” Polis said. “Faith was a fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, and families, and our climate. I’ve known Faith for nearly twenty years, first as an organizer for environmental causes and then expanding women’s representation and leadership, and finally, as a state senator. I have had the honor of working with her on many issues to improve the lives of every person and family in our great state, and tackling climate change. I am deeply saddened for her family, her friends and colleagues, and her community. Faith’s work and advocacy made Colorado a better state.”
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold joined Gov. Polis in honoring Winter, calling her a 'fierce advocate' for the Centennial State.
“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,” Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold wrote on Facebook.
The remaining year of Winter’s term will be filled by a candidate chosen by a party vacancy committee.
