DENVER—A Colorado state senator involved in a fatal crash in Texas is vowing to continue working on transportation issues even though she was blocked from leading the Senate’s transportation committee.
Sen. Suzanne Williams returned to the Capitol for the start of the new legislative session Wednesday, as authorities continued to investigate the Dec. 26 crash.
Investigators say Williams’ Honda CR-V drifted into oncoming traffic, killing Brianna Gomez of Amarillo. Gomez was pregnant and her son survived after being delivered by emergency cesarean section.
Williams was vice-chair of the transportation committee last year and had been expected to lead it this year. However, on Monday, Senate Majority Leader John Morse said he removed Williams from consideration for the post because he’s worried she won’t be able to do a full-time job.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Gabriel Medrano said investigators and the accident reconstruction team reviewing the crash met Wednesday. He said a grand jury could be asked in February to consider whether charges are warranted.
Williams’ son and grandsons, who weren’t wearing seat belts, were also injured in the crash.
Williams sponsored legislation last year to increase fines on all drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts and it’s not clear why her family members weren’t wearing seat belts.
