Williams, known as "Q," was 39 years old. The Democrat had served the residents of his hometown of Middletown in the Connecticut State House since 2019. He was recently appointed to serve as co-chair of the legislature's labor committee.
Williams was driving on Route 9 in Cromwell early Thursday when a driver traveling the wrong way in the lane struck him head-on shortly before 1 a.m., Connecticut State Police said.
His car became fully engulfed in flames and he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Williams was identified by police as the driver following an autopsy.
The wrong-way driver was also pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The driver was identified by police as Kimede Mustafaj, 27, of Manchester, Connecticut.
Connecticut state legislators expressed shock and dismay over their colleague's untimely death.
"Rep. Williams was an amazing human being. His infectious smile could instantly make a difficult day better," Connecticut 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."
State Sen. Matt Lesser called Williams a "beloved friend" whose death was "shocking and unfathomable."
"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," Lesser said in a statement.
The tragic crash happened around 12:30 a.m. as the 39-year-old Democrat was traveling southbound on Route 9 in Cromwell en route to Middletown, the area he represented in the state House of Representatives. His car became engulfed in flames following the head-on impact, officials said.
Gov. Ned Lamont ordered flags in the state in to be flown at half-staff in light of the stunning tragedy.
“This is devastating news, and I am incredibly saddened by this tragedy,” the governor said in a statement.
“Quentin had an infectiously optimistic personality, and he absolutely loved having the opportunity to represent his lifelong home of Middletown at the State Capitol. Public service was his passion, and he was always advocating on behalf of the people of his hometown.”
Williams, who graduated from Middletown schools, was the new co-chair of the General Assembly’s Labor and Public Employees Committee. That committee was set to meet for the first time Thursday, but instead all legislative activity was postponed until Monday.
The state Capitol and Legislative Office Building were both closed until next week.
Williams, also known as Q and a rising star in Connecticut politics, leaves behind his wife and mother. He grew up in public housing and went on to become the first African American to represent Middletown in the General Assembly, according to his biography on his legislative website.
“Representative Williams truly embodied the phrase larger than life,” Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim said in a statement. “His laugh, smile, and presence were felt in every space shared with him.
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