A Connecticut state representative was killed on Wednesday (January 4) in a highway crash after attending the governor's inaugural ball and his own swearing-in ceremony, House Democrats announced Thursday (January 5).
Connecticut state Rep. Quentin "Q" Williams of Middletown died at age 39 in the crash on Route 9 in Cromwell, NBC News reports. According to state police, both drivers were killed as one of the vehicles became fully engulfed in flames.
Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, and Majority Leader Jason Rojas, D-East Hartford, issued a statement confirming the lawmaker's 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.”
Thursday’s legislative activities were canceled and the Legislative Office Building was closed in the wake of the fatal crash.
Williams, who had just been sworn in for his third term as a state representative, was recently named House chairman of the Labor and Public Employees Committee. He was the first Black American to represent Middleton in the General Assembly, according to a biography on his legislative website.
“Rep. Williams truly embodied the phrase larger than life,” Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim said in a statement. “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.”
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