State Rep. Quentin "Q" Williams, 39, was one of two people killed in a crash on Route 9 in Cromwell early Thursday morning and state police have identified the other driver as 27-year-old Kimede Mustafaj, of Manchester.
State police said Williams' vehicle caught fire and he died at the scene. A family friend confirmed to NBC Connecticut that Williams was killed before state police released the names of the people involved.
The office of the chief medical examiner ruled Williams' death an accident caused by blunt impact injuries to the head and torso.
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Mustafaj was also killed, according to state police.
Williams, a Middletown Democrat, was just sworn in for his third term Wednesday.
A community vigil will be held in Middletown Friday night to honor Williams.
It will be held at 7 p.m. on South Green in Middletown, according to Sen. Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), who is serving as a spokesperson for the Williams family.
News of Williams' death hit his colleagues hard.
“Rep. Williams was an amazing human being. His infectious smile could instantly make a difficult day better," House Majority Leader Jason Rojas said in a statement. "He was an amazing husband, friend and colleague. He loved community and serving others. Truly - a friend to all who knew him. This is a terrible tragedy and a great loss to our state. My heart goes out to his wife, family, and all who loved Q. We will miss him."
House and Senate leaders canceled legislative meetings Thursday and Friday and the Capitol Complex was closed in the wake of Williams' death.
“Q was a beloved friend and his passing even as I write this is still shocking and unfathomable," Sen. Matt Lesser said in a statement. "He and his family have meant so much to the Middletown community and personally to myself and my family. As a legislator he was a passionate and committed public servant whose intellect and warmth made our state a better place and the General Assembly a better place.
Gov. Ned Lamont directed state flags to half-staff in honor of Williams.
“This is devastating news, and I am incredibly saddened by this tragedy,” Governor Lamont said. “Quentin had an infectiously optimistic personality, and he absolutely loved having the opportunity to represent his lifelong home of Middletown at the State Capitol."
State police are investigating the crash, and they ask anyone with information to call Trooper Michael Dean, at Troop H, at 860-534-1000.
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