Mayor Simmons Releases Statement On Death Of Middletown State Rep.

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons has issued a statement on state Rep. Quentin "Q" Williams, who was killed in a wrong-way crash on Route 9 in Cromwell early Thursday morning, according to WTNH News-8.

Williams, 39, was a Democrat who represented the 100th district in Middletown.

"I am devastated over the tragic loss of my friend and colleague Representative Quentin Williams, and I want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife and family," Simmons said. "He was a compassionate, talented, and devoted Representative and a fierce advocate for educational equity. His spirit and optimism were infectious and his commitment to public service unwavering. He was a wonderful human being and will be missed greatly."

Before becoming mayor in 2021, Simmons served as a State Representative for Stamford in the 144th District for seven years.

Williams was one of two drivers killed in a Route 9 wrong-way crash in Cromwell. State police said a vehicle was traveling in the left lane of Route 9 south near the exit 18 entrance at 12:48 a.m.

A second vehicle was traveling the wrong way on Route 9 and struck the first vehicle, which ended up in the road's left shoulder fully engulfed in flames. State police have not released the identities of the two people killed in the wrong-way crash, but numerous media reports and top state officials have confirmed Williams' death.

The driver of the first vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash and has not yet been positively identified, according to police. The driver of the second vehicle was also pronounced dead and has not been identified. The two cars involved were towed due to disabling damage.

Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim said Middletown has lost its "biggest, brightest smile."

"Rep. Williams truly embodied the phrase larger than life," Florsheim wrote in a post on social media. "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. His dedication to fighting for equity, education, worker’s rights, and justice in all its forms is irreplaceable, and while we are heartbroken, the community he loved so much—and where Q was loved so much in return—will continue the fight.

"We will be in touch as information becomes available about resources for our community as we grieve collectively."

Williams was recently named House Chair of the Labor Committee. He was sworn into office for his third term on Wednesday.

The crash remains under investigation.

Any witness who has information about the accident is asked to contact Trooper Michael Dean with Troop H at 860-534-1000.

Read more on Thursday's crash.

— This post contains previous reporting from Patch's Chris Rhatigan