Connecticut state Rep. Quentin Williams killed by wrong-way driver hours after being sworn in

A Connecticut state lawmaker was killed on the street early Thursday morning after a wrong-way driver slammed into him and his car erupted into flames, authorities mentioned.

State Rep. Quentin Williams was fatally struck on his journey residence from the governor’s inauguration ball — and simply hours after being sworn in for his third time period in workplace.

“We had been about as shut as any two individuals might come, and I can simply say that I’ve hardly ever gotten calls … I don’t assume I’ve ever gotten a name as devastating as the decision that I bought at 6:06 this morning,” State Sen. Matt Lesser mentioned, in line with WTNH.

The tragic crash occurred round 12:30 a.m. because the 39-year-old Democrat was touring southbound on Route 9 in Cromwell en path to Middletown, the realm he represented within the state Home of Representatives. His automotive turned engulfed in flames following the head-on impression, officers mentioned.

The accident occurred about 15 miles from Hartford, the place the governor’s inaugural ball came about.

The incorrect-way driver, 27-year-old Kimede Mustafaj, additionally died. It’s unknown if alcohol or medication had been concerned.

Gov. Ned Lamont ordered flags within the state in to be flown at half-staff in mild of the gorgeous tragedy.

“That is devastating information, and I’m extremely saddened by this tragedy,” the governor mentioned in an announcement.

“Quentin had an infectiously optimistic character, and he completely beloved having the chance to symbolize his lifelong residence of Middletown on the State Capitol. Public service was his ardour, and he was all the time advocating on behalf of the individuals of his hometown.”

Williams, who graduated from Middletown faculties, was the brand new co-chair of the Basic Meeting’s Labor and Public Workers Committee. That committee was set to satisfy for the primary time Thursday, however as an alternative all legislative exercise was postponed till Monday.

The state Capitol and Legislative Workplace Constructing had been each closed till subsequent week.

Williams, also referred to as Q and a rising star in Connecticut politics, leaves behind his spouse and mom. He grew up in public housing and went on to change into the primary African American to symbolize Middletown within the Basic Meeting, in line with his biography on his legislative web site.

“Consultant Williams really embodied the phrase bigger than life,” Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim mentioned in an announcement. “His snicker, smile, and presence had been felt in each house shared with him.

“His passing is a real loss for our neighborhood. A lightweight has been dimmed as we speak.”

Lesser, the state senator, mentioned his slain colleague talked about operating for statewide workplace sooner or later, and even for Congress.

“These are all issues that he would take into consideration,” he mentioned. “We’ll by no means know. He had massive desires and hopes … I believe he had a rattling good probability of realizing.”

With Publish wires