State Representative Quentin Williams of Connecticut was killed in a car accident at the age of 39

House Democratic leaders said Thursday that a A Connecticut State Representative has been killed overnight in a highway accident. He had just attended the governor’s inaugural ball and his own swearing-in ceremony for a third term.

Quentin Williams, a Middletown Democrat known as “Q”, was killed in the crash on Route 9 in Cromwell. He was 39. State police said both drivers were killed and one of the cars caught fire.

The names of the victims have not yet been made public by the state police. House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, and Majority Leader Jason Rojas, D-East Hartford, said in a statement that Williams’ family had told them the legislator had passed away.

Connecticut State Representative Quentin Williams was killed by a reckless driver just hours after being sworn in. RIP🙏🕊 pic.twitter.com/mfy9V6MTRO

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) January 6, 2023

“I am shocked,” said Ritter. “Q was my dear friend and I am scarred by his sudden loss. We will have time in the coming weeks to reflect on Q as legislator, but at this time I am deeply mourning my friend and sending all my love to Carrissa, Queen and Q’s family. We will all miss Q.”

Because of this, the Legislative Office Building was closed and there were no legislative activities on Thursday. Gov. Ned Lamont said the flags should be lowered to half-mast.

Williams is the new co-chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee of the General Assembly. A biography on his legislative website says he was the first African American to represent Middletown in the General Assembly.

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Williams served as Middletown’s city treasurer before being elected to the legislature. Before that, he was responsible for the urban planning and zoning committee.

His website states that he attended schools in Middletown, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bryant University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Villanova University. Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim said in a statement that Representative Williams really lived up to the phrase “larger than life.”

Hundreds turn out for one #Middle City vigil in memory of State Representative Quentin “Q” Williams. A friend says that from the time he was in elementary school, Q always asked, “How can I help?” pic.twitter.com/3bwdgtQlBH

— Dave Mager (@DaveMagerNews) January 7, 2023

“His smile, smile and presence were felt in every space shared with him. His passing is a real loss to our community. A light has dimmed today.”

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