Connecticut State Rep. Quentin Williams, 39, died in a wrong-way highway crash on Thursday shortly after attending his swearing-in ceremony for a third term. Police said Williams and the other driver died when one of the cars became fully engulfed in flames.

“I am in shock,” Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, said in a statement, according to NBC News. “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.”

Williams was driving on the highway when he was struck head-on by a vehicle going the wrong way shortly after 12:30 a.m., NPR reports.

Gov. Ned Lamont ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday while legislative activities were canceled due to the tragedy.

Williams, who grew up in Middletown, Connecticut, served as the new co-chair of the General Assembly’s Labor and Public Employees Committee. He was also the first Black politician to represent Middletown in the General Assembly.

“Rep. 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. His passing is a true loss for our community. A light has been dimmed today.”

The 39-year-old was widely considered a rising star in politics.

“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. So it’s just, it’s just gut-wrenching.”

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