Connecticut State Representative Quintin "Q" Williams died Thursday morning in a car crash just hours after being sworn in for his third term.

Williams, 39, was an up-and-coming political star of the Connecticut Democratic Party. He had been driving home after attending the governor's inauguration ball when he collided head-on with a wrong-way driver, according to Connecticut state police. The driver of the other vehicle also died.

Rep. Quentin Williams
State Representative Quentin Williams of Middletown, a Democrat, was first elected in 2019 and had been sworn into office Wednesday for his third term. Connecticut House Democrats

Williams had been inducted as the new co-chair of the General Assembly's Labor and Public Employees Committee on Wednesday, the opening day of Connecticut's 2023 legislative session. He also served as co-chair of the Housing Committee.

The Labor Committee was scheduled to hold its first meeting Thursday. However, after legislators were informed of Williams' death, state leaders announced they would close the state Capitol and Legislative Office Building until Monday.

"I was so proud of him and his incredible accomplishments, and had so much hope for what he was yet to do," state Sen. Matthew Lesser, D-Middletown, told The Associated Press.

"Just last night, with the governor's ball, he got pulled into a work meeting with his Labor (committee) co-chair, and they were fiercely coming up with plans for the incoming legislative session," Lesser said. "So it's just, it's just gut-wrenching."

According to William's congressional biography, he grew up in Middletown and took great pride in being able to represent his constituents. He was the first African-American to be elected to represent the City of Middletown in the Connecticut General Assembly.

The bio also says he was a "Champion for social and racial equality, human rights, accessible housing for all, and supporting youth programs to help prepare them for successful futures."

"This is devastating news, and I am incredibly saddened by this tragedy," said Gov. Ned Lamont on Twitter. "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."