Connecticut State Representative Dead in Wrong-Way Highway Crash Following Swearing-In Ceremony

Connecticut state representative Quentin “Q” Williams has died in a wrong-way highway crash after he attended his own swearing-in ceremony for a third term, NBC News reports.

The Democrat lawmaker was killed in the crash on Thursday evening after leaving the swearing-in ceremony at the governor’s inaugural ball. Police said that he and the driver of the other vehicle died, although the name of the other victim has not been released. Williams represented the 100th district in Middlesex County, a role he held since 2019. He was 39.

“We are overcome with disbelief and heartbreak at tragic news of the loss of Representative Quentin Williams (“Q”) last night,” reads a statement from the CT House Democrats. “A champion for Middletown and CT, Q had just yesterday been sworn in and appointed House Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee.”

Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, alongside Majority Leader Jason Rojas, issued a statement on Williams death. “I am in shock,” Ritter said. “Q was my dear friend and I am scarred by his sudden loss. We will have time to reflect on Q as a legislator in the weeks to come, but right now I deeply mourn my friend and send all of my love to Carrissa, Queen and Q’s family. We will all miss Q.”

Williams was the first Black lawmaker to represent Middletown in the General Assembly, and was recently named the co-chair of the General Assembly’s Labor and Public EMployees Committee. “Rep. Williams truly embodied the phrase larger than life,” added Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim. “His laugh, smile, and presence were felt in every space shared with him. His passing is a true loss for our community. A light has been dimmed today.”