Who is Quentin Williams' wife? Connecticut state rep killed in horrific crash hours after being sworn in
CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT: A wrong-way car crash claimed the life of a Connecticut senator. Democratic lawmaker Quentin Williams, 39, of Middletown, was killed overnight on Route 9 near Cromwell after attending both the governor's inauguration event and his own swearing-in ceremony. On Thursday, January 5, House Democrats tweeted a statement regarding the upsetting information.
Around 12.45 am local time, a collision on Route 9 near Cromwell, Connecticut, just outside of Middletown, took place. A car that was traveling the wrong way down the highway is what caused the accident. Although it's unclear which way the state lawmaker's car was traveling, authorities told The New York Times that it was "fully engulfed in flames" and was traveling south.
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Both of the drivers were killed, according to state police, and one of the cars caught fire. The names of the victims, however, have not been made public yet, as reported by NBC News.
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
Who is Quentin Williams' wife?
Williams' family, including his widow and mother, have requested privacy, according to Lessor, who is also the family's spokeswoman. Quentin was married to Dr Carrissa Phillippe Williams, who runs Small Victories Wellness Service, a growing group psychotherapy practice providing mental health services throughout CT and MO, according to her LinkedIn profile. In addition to that, Carrissa is also an adjunct professor at the University of Hartford and on the Board of Directors for Gilead Community Services.
According to a biography on his legislative website, Williams, also known as "Q," the new co-chair of the General Assembly's Labor and Public Employees Committee, was the first African American to represent Middletown in the General Assembly. After chairing the city's planning and zoning commission, Williams worked as Middletown's treasurer before being elected to the assembly. According to his website, he attended Middletown schools, graduated from Bryant University with a bachelor's degree in business administration, and Villanova University with a master's degree in public administration.
Williams' family had made the announcement of the lawmaker's death, according to a statement from Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, and Majority Leader Jason Rojas, D-East Hartford. “I am in shock,” Ritter said. “Q was my dear friend and I am scarred by his sudden loss. We will have time to reflect on Q as a legislator in the weeks to come, but right now I deeply mourn my friend and send all of my love to Carrissa, Queen, and Q’s family. We will all miss Q.”
“Rep. Williams truly embodied the phrase larger than life,” Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim said in a post on Facebook. “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."
"This is devastating news, and I am incredibly saddened by this tragedy," Gov Ned Lamont said in a statement according to NBC Connecticut. "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. He was a genuine person with a genuine soul, and he will be missed. My prayers are with his family, including his wife Carrissa and his mother Queen, as well as his friends and colleagues in the General Assembly." Williams has left behind his wife, Carrissa.
The Legislative Office Building was shut down as a result of the cancellation of Thursday's, January 5, legislative activity. Flags were instructed to be flown at half-staff by Governor Ned Lamont.