Englewood Mayor Pro Tem Joe Anderson, 45, died Friday morning while hiking on Quandry Peak in Colorado. He was hiking around 6:40 a.m. when he suddenly lost consciousness and stopped breathing.
Other hikers in the area began CPR, and Summit County Sheriff's Office deputies and medical personnel continued lifesaving efforts upon their arrival. Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene.
City officials confirmed Anderson's death, remembering him as a dedicated public servant and community member. Mayor Othoniel Sierra stated that Anderson was always willing to help his neighbors, whether as a friend, neighbor, pastor, or elected official. Anderson was a co-founder of the nonprofit Change the Trend, which advocated for the homeless and led to the formation of the Tri Cities Homelessness Policy Committee. He also assisted seniors and disabled neighbors through his Neighborhood Rehab Project.
"That compassion carried over to his seven years on council," Sierra said in a statement. "This is a tremendous loss for our city and our heart goes out to his family and friends during this time of loss."
Anderson was first elected to the Englewood City Council in 2019 and was re-elected in November 2023. The city council appointed him mayor pro tem a month later. During his time on the council, he was instrumental in efforts to repair and expand Englewood's stormwater system following deadly flooding in 2018, balancing improvement costs with affordability for residents and businesses. He also supported changes to city development rules aimed at reducing housing costs and homelessness.
Outgoing City Manager Shawn Lewis described Anderson as "a rare combination of a constant encourager behind the scenes while simultaneously challenging us as staff to think bigger and do better." Lewis further called him "one of the most effective, productive and positive council members I've ever worked with."
An online fundraiser has been established to support Anderson's wife and two children. As of Sunday evening, the fundraiser had garnered nearly $67,000.