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Democrat lawmaker Quentin Williams of Middletown, Connecticut died at the age of 39 in a tragic car crash.
The accident occurred just hours after he had been sworn into office as a state representative. It was his third term in office.
Rep. Quentin Williams was the embodiment of energy, passion, thoughtfulness, and positivity. His passing is an unimaginable loss for the General Assembly and our state, and our hearts are with his family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by his good work. pic.twitter.com/tsqaH1Kimg
— CT House Republicans (@cthouserules) January 5, 2023
Williams was traveling home from an inaugural ball when the fatal accident occurred.
Another driver was traveling on the wrong side of the highway and struck Williams’ vehicle.
DEVELOPING: Kimede Mustafaj, 27, the deceased driver of the vehicle CSP say was going the wrong way on Rt 9 in Cromwell and struck and killed Rep Quentin Williams – was due in court in 2 weeks to face assault, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief charges from her 8/22 arrest. pic.twitter.com/N1EnEKuAcY
— newsbell (@newsbell) January 5, 2023
The accident occurred on Route 9 in Connecticut early on Thursday.
27-year-old Kimede Katie Mustafaj also died in the collision.
Police said Williams’ car was “fully engulfed in flames.”
The other driver was reportedly due in court in two weeks to face numerous other charges unrelated to the car accident.
Saddened to learn of the tragic death of State Representative Quentin 'Q' Williams. pic.twitter.com/v5VFQyRX7m
— Mayor Kevin Scarpati (@kmscarpati) January 5, 2023
She had been charged with assault, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief charges from a previous arrest in August.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont ordered that the state flag be lowered to half-mast in mourning of Williams. He is survived by his wife, Carrissa.
Connecticut state Representative Quentin Williams was killed by reckless driver hours after swearing-in. RIP 🙏🕊 pic.twitter.com/mfy9V6MTRO
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) January 6, 2023
Williams began his career in public service on Middletown’s Planning and Zoning Commission before serving as city treasurer.
He’s been a member of more than a dozen community charities and organizations.
Williams, who went by the nickname “Q,” was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 2018.
Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut responded to the news, saying, “Terrible news today of Q Williams sudden death.”
“He was a great friend, a present and future leader, and a kind, graceful presence that made everyone around him better. What a loss. I’m sending every good thought I have to his family and friends today.”
We are overcome with disbelief and heartbreak at tragic news of the loss of Representative Quentin Williams ("Q") last night. A champion for Middletown and CT, Q had just yesterday been sworn in and appointed House Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee. pic.twitter.com/Hbsps3xp82
— CT House Democrats (@CTHouseDems) January 5, 2023
Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim said the city had “lost its biggest, brightest smile.”
“His laugh, smile, and presence were felt in every space shared with him. His passing is a true loss for our community,” Florsheim said. “A light has been dimmed today.”
State Rep. Quentin “Q” Williams was a leader and loved to serve ❤️
He mentored kids + helped the local theatre.
Q was killed by a wrong way driver.
Friends tell me they will miss his smile + energy. @WFSBnews pic.twitter.com/sEJwgkqJEj
— Christian Colón (@ColonCJC) January 6, 2023
