Democrat Politician Legally Drunk At Time Of Fatal Holiday Crash, Records Reveal

Colorado Democrat state Sen. Faith Winter was legally drunk when she died in a fiery crash on Interstate 25 the night before Thanksgiving, authorities said.

Winter’s blood alcohol level measured 0.185% at the time of the wreck — more than twice Colorado’s legal driving limit of 0.08% — according to the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office.

The 54-year-old Broomfield lawmaker died Nov. 26 after plowing into a stopped Ford F-350 in the left lane of northbound I-25 south of Denver, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release Friday.

Investigators said Winter rear-ended the pickup shortly after another three-vehicle crash had snarled traffic in the same stretch of highway. She was the sole occupant of her car.

Her cause of death was listed as multiple blunt-force injuries sustained in the crash. She died at the scene.

No criminal charges will be filed in connection with the wreck, the sheriff’s office said. That decision was made “after a thorough review of the evidence in coordination with the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office,” according to the release.

Authorities determined Winter was at fault.

The sheriff’s office noted the Ford F-350 did not have visible rear taillights, but said the driver was operating the vehicle with “due regard.”

Winter’s death capped a turbulent final year marked by public struggles with alcohol.

Earlier in 2024, she stepped away from her legislative duties to seek treatment for alcohol use disorder after appearing intoxicated at a community meeting in Northglenn. The incident triggered a Senate Ethics Committee inquiry, which found she failed to meet chamber standards related to promoting public integrity.

At her funeral earlier this month, mourners remembered Winter as a champion for women pursuing public service and elected office, and as a devoted mother to her two children.

A legislative vacancy committee is expected to meet next week to choose her replacement in Senate District 25.

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