By Alia Shoaib and Shane CroucherShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberColorado State Senator Faith Winter, a Democrat, has died in a car crash at the age of 45
Winter, a mother of two children, died in a five-vehicle crash on the northbound Interstate 25 south of Denver on Wednesday night, Colorado Newsline reported, citing local authorities.
"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," said Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, in a post on X.
"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."
Polis ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Winter and from sunrise until sunset on the day of her memorial service, which is yet to be announced.
At least three other people were injured in the multi-vehicle crash, Colorado Newsline reported, citing South Metro Fire Rescue and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.
Senate President James Coleman and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, both Democrats, described Winter as a “dedicated public servant whose commitment to the people of Colorado never wavered.”
“Senator Winter was a colleague whose presence brought warmth and an invaluable perspective to the Capitol. We will miss her leadership, her partnership, and her deep commitment to a brighter Colorado,” they said in a statement, reported by Colorado Newsline.
Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran, both Democrats, said in a statement on X: “Words cannot express how deeply heartbroken we are tonight as Colorado mourns the loss of an exceptional legislator, a champion for working people, and a steadfast defender of our environment and abortion rights.”
Democratic state Representative Shannon Bird said that she was “heartbroken” by Winter’s “tragic passing.”
Colorado House Republicans wrote on X: “Our hearts are heavy tonight. We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Faith Winter. We extend our sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, colleagues, and community. We are keeping all those injured in this tragic crash in our prayers.”
Winter, who was entering her 12th and final year as a state lawmaker due to term limits, served as chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee, and also served on the Business, Labor and Technology committee and the Legislative Council.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
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