Connecticut state legislator killed in wrong-way car crash: ‘Shocking and unfathomable’

CROMWELL, Connecticut — Connecticut state Rep. Quentin Williams was killed in a automotive crash after he was struck by a wrong-way driver, hours after he was sworn in for his third time period on Wednesday, officers mentioned.

Williams, generally known as “Q,” was 39 years previous. The Democrat had served the residents of his hometown of Middletown within the Connecticut State Home since 2019. He was just lately appointed to function co-chair of the legislature’s labor committee.

Williams was driving on Route 9 in Cromwell early Thursday when a driver touring the mistaken manner within the lane struck him head-on shortly earlier than 1 a.m., Connecticut State Police mentioned.

His automotive turned absolutely engulfed in flames and he was pronounced lifeless on the scene, police mentioned. Williams was recognized by police as the motive force following an post-mortem.

The incorrect-way driver was additionally pronounced lifeless on the scene, police mentioned. The motive force was recognized by police as Kimede Mustafaj, 27, of Manchester, Connecticut.

Connecticut state legislators expressed shock and dismay over their colleague’s premature loss of life.

“Rep. Williams was a tremendous human being. His infectious smile may immediately make a tough day higher,” Connecticut Home Majority Chief Jason Rojas mentioned in an announcement. “He was a tremendous husband, good friend and colleague. He beloved neighborhood and serving others. Really — a good friend to all who knew him. It is a horrible tragedy and an important loss to our state.”

State Sen. Matt Lesser known as Williams a “beloved good friend” whose loss of life was “stunning and unfathomable.”

“As a legislator he was a passionate and dedicated public servant whose mind and heat made our state a greater place and the Basic Meeting a greater place,” Lesser mentioned in an announcement.

Williams was additionally a “trailblazer” as the primary Black state consultant ever elected in Middletown, Lesser added.

Connecticut Home Minority Chief Vincent Candelora mentioned Williams was a “younger, rising chief who deftly balanced forward-looking thoughtfulness with ardour and charisma.”

“His tragic passing is a devastating loss for the Basic Meeting, Middletown, and the State of Connecticut,” Candelora mentioned in an announcement.

State leaders canceled legislative conferences and closed the Capitol Advanced in Hartford on Thursday within the wake of Williams’ loss of life.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont ordered that state flags be lowered to half-staff, efficient instantly, in honor of Williams.

“That is devastating information, and I’m extremely saddened by this tragedy,” Lamont mentioned in an announcement. “Quentin had an infectiously optimistic persona, and he completely beloved having the chance to signify his lifelong dwelling of Middletown on the State Capitol. Public service was his ardour, and he was at all times advocating on behalf of the folks of his hometown. He was a real individual with a real soul, and he shall be missed.”

Williams was the director of advocacy and coverage for Excellence Group Faculties and the co-founder of the training nonprofit EquityCT, in keeping with his biography on the State Home Democrats’ web site.

Williams is survived by his spouse, Carrissa Williams. Info on providers shall be obtainable within the coming days, state officers mentioned.