Photo: Alamy
Colorado state Sen. Faith Winter, a Democrat known for her environmental advocacy and long career in public service, was killed Wednesday night in a five-car crash south of Denver, authorities said.
The crash happened around 6:30 p.m. on Interstate 25 near Dry Creek Road in Arapahoe County, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. Three other people were injured. The cause of the collision remains under investigation, officials said.
Winter, elected to the state Senate in 2018 after serving in the Colorado House and on the Westminster City Council, built her political career around environmental policy, transportation and support for working families.
Her biography notes she previously held leadership roles with Enviro Citizen, The White House Project, Emerge Colorado, Colorado Conservation Voters and VoteRunLead. She earned a degree in environmental management and biology from the University of the Redlands.
“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,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. Polis said he had known Winter for two decades.
“Faith was a fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, and families, and our climate,” he said. “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,” Polis added. “Faith’s work and advocacy made Colorado a better state.”
Winter sponsored a 2021 transportation bill that added fees to gasoline and diesel purchases to generate long-term funding for road improvements and air-quality projects, according to the Colorado Sun. She also pushed for Colorado’s statewide paid-leave program, which allows workers to take time off to care for a newborn or a seriously ill family member.
She is survived by her children, Tobin and Sienna. The Colorado Sun reported she was engaged to marry former state Rep. Matt Gray.