Colorado State Senator Faith Winter, representing Senate District 25, was involved in a tragic incident on Interstate 25 the night before Thanksgiving, which resulted in her death. The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office confirmed that Senator Winter had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.185 percent at the time of the collision, which is over twice the legal limit in Colorado. The investigation determined Winter was at fault, yet after a review with the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office, it was decided that no criminal charges would be filed.
Senator Winter's death and the circumstances surrounding the crash have been the subject of extensive reporting. In the months leading up to the incident, her behavior had raised concerns. Notably, a formal complaint was lodged by the Northglenn City Council following an episode in April 2024 where she appeared intoxicated at a community meeting regarding a mental health facility. The Colorado Senate Ethics Committee investigated the matter and ultimately reprimanded Winter for not maintaining the integrity expected of a senator.
In July 2024, the Ethics Committee found Senator Winter had breached a rule that requires senators to act in a manner promoting public confidence in the Senate. Although they did not recommend censure or expulsion, they admonished her and referred their findings to Senate leadership. Senator Winter acknowledged her consumption of alcohol before the April meeting, regretted her actions, and subsequently resigned as chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee to seek treatment for alcohol use disorder.
In January 2025, she addressed the Senate with a public apology, detailing her struggle with mental health, chronic illness, childhood trauma, and a brain injury, which she acknowledged contributed to her alcohol use. She remained committed to her recovery process and hoped to destigmatize addiction and recovery through her experience.
Prior to the ethics controversy, Senator Winter was notably active in policy matters, particularly mental health infrastructure. She co-sponsored House Bill 22-1303 in 2022, which aimed at expanding residential mental health treatment facilities in Colorado.
Following her passing, Governor Jared Polis and legislative leaders offered condolences, highlighting her dedication to public service. A legislative vacancy committee is anticipated to appoint a successor to serve the remainder of her term, which extends through 2026.
The tragic event has sparked discussions on social media, with some pointing to Winter's history of alcohol-related incidents, including prior instances where she appeared intoxicated during official duties.
