Who is Faith Winter's Fiancé? Colorado Senator Killed in Multi-Car Crash

The vibrant political life of a dedicated public servant was tragically cut short on Wednesday evening, plunging Colorado's State Capitol into grief.

State Senator Faith Winter, a 45-year-old Democrat, was the sole fatality in a devastating multi-vehicle pileup that occurred outside of Denver, leaving her fiancé and two young children to navigate an unimaginable loss.

Senator Winter, who served as the Assistant Senate Majority Leader, was killed in the five-vehicle crash that effectively shut down a major section of Interstate 25 in the city of Centennial.

The wreck, which involved a truck flipped on its side near several damaged cars, happened just after 6:00 p.m. near the E Dry Creek Road exit, approximately 16 miles southeast of the statehouse in Denver.

The Colorado Democratic Caucus officially confirmed her passing, sparking an immediate outpouring of tributes from colleagues across the state.

The sheer human cost of the tragedy was underscored by the news that the 45-year-old politician leaves behind her son, Tobin, and daughter, Sienna, as well as her fiancé, former state Representative Matt Gray.

Her sudden absence from their lives forms the core of the state's shock and sorrow, shifting the narrative from political leadership to profound personal grief.

Who Is Matt Gray? Faith Winter's Fiancé And Former State Representative

The former politician facing this profound personal loss is Matt Gray, a Democrat who served as a member of the Colorado House of Representatives for District 33.

Gray, born on 25 September 1980, represented Broomfield and portions of Boulder County after being first elected in 2016, succeeding Dianne Primavera.

Prior to his time in the House, the Broomfield resident worked as a deputy district attorney. During his legislative tenure, Gray held committee assignments on the House Business Affairs and Labour Committee, the House Finance Committee, and the House Local Government Committee.

In April 2022, Mr. Gray was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Broomfield. The arrest occurred in front of an elementary school as he was picking up his children. Police had been called by school officials concerned about his behaviour and the odour of alcohol.

Gray refused to perform field sobriety or blood alcohol level tests. He denied being drunk, claiming he was experiencing the effects of anxiety and depression. He later pleaded guilty to one count of DUI, receiving a sentence of one year of probation and suspension of his driver's license for refusing testing.

Faith Winter and Matt Gray were engaged at the time of her passing.

Advocate For The People: Faith Winter's Lasting Legacy In Colorado

Winter's colleagues immediately honoured her as a tireless champion for Colorado residents. In a joint statement, Colorado Senate President James Coleman and Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez shared their profound sadness.

'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,' they wrote.

The fatal crash, which also injured three other people whose conditions were not immediately revealed by police, required a significant investigation. The wreckage closed the northbound lanes of the highway for several hours, with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office only reopening the roadway just before midnight.

Arapahoe County Sheriff Deputy John Bartmann stated that the investigation would be complex and lengthy, noting, 'The cause is going to take some time to figure out,' according to The Colorado Sun's report.

A fierce advocate for both transportation and environmental issues, Winter's committee roles reflected her passion. At the time of her death, she was the Chair of the crucial Transportation & Energy Committee and also served as a member of the Business, Labour & Technology and Local Government & Housing Committees.

The Democrat's political career began in 2014 when she was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives.

She went on to win a seat in the Senate for the 24th District in 2019, defeating Republican incumbent Beth Martinez Humenik, and later represented the 25th Senate District following redistricting in 2023.

She was serving as the Assistant Senate Majority Leader, making her the third-highest-ranking member in the chamber, and was due to be term-limited in 2026.

The State Is Shaken: A Flood Of Tributes To Senator Winter

The shock of the news resonated all the way to the Governor's office. Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a heartfelt statement reflecting on Winter's influence and their long-standing relationship.

'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.

He continued, '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 organiser for environmental causes and then expanding women's representation and leadership, and finally, as a state senator.'

Polis praised her dedication to improving the lives of her constituents, concluding, 'I am deeply saddened for her family, her friends and colleagues, and her community. Faith's work and advocacy made Colorado a better state.'

Echoing this sentiment, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold also offered a statement on Facebook. Griswold called Winter a 'fierce advocate' for the Centennial State, adding, '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.'

Senator Winter's academic background, a degree in environmental management and biology from the University of the Redlands, strongly informed her legislative priorities.

As the political community mourns the loss of a key leader, a party vacancy committee will now be tasked with the difficult process of determining who will serve out the remaining year of her term.

The focus, however, remains fixed on her family: the two children and fiancé who must now face a future without their dedicated mother and partner.