A five-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 in Centennial on Wednesday evening claimed the life of Faith Winter, a senior Democratic legislative leader. The collision occurred shortly after 6 p.m. near E. Dry Creek Road, shutting down the highway for hours. Winter was the only fatality; three others were injured as authorities continued investigating the cause.

Winter, 45, began her career in the Colorado House in 2014 and was elected to the state Senate in 2018, later representing the 25th District after redistricting. At the time of her death, she served as assistant Senate majority leader—the chamber’s third-highest position—and was term-limited in 2026.

Known for her advocacy on transportation, environmental policy, and working families, Winter chaired the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee and served on multiple others. She held degrees in environmental management and biology from the University of Redlands and was widely respected for her policy expertise and commitment to public service.

Tributes poured in from state leaders, including Jared Polis, James Coleman, and Robert Rodriguez, who praised her dedication to Colorado. Winter is survived by her two children, Tobin and Sienna, and her fiancé, former state Representative Matt Gray. A party vacancy committee will select someone to complete the final year of her term.