Englewood Mayor Pro Tem Joe Anderson, 45, died Friday morning after collapsing while hiking Quandary Peak in Summit County, according to city and county officials. The incident occurred on the lower slopes of the 14,271-foot mountain.
Summit County sheriff’s deputies responded around 6:45 a.m. to a report of a hiker who had collapsed and was not breathing. Other hikers had already begun performing CPR before first responders took over lifesaving efforts, Sgt. Mike Schilling told the Summit Daily. An official cause of death has not yet been determined.
"We are all shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of our friend and council member, Joe Anderson," Englewood Mayor Othoniel 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 elected to the Englewood City Council in 2019 and began his second four-year term in 2023. His colleagues elected him mayor pro tem in December 2023. Before his time on the council, Anderson served in pastoral roles at local churches and helped found Change the Trend, a coalition addressing homelessness. He also coordinated a community service project for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
During his tenure on the council, Anderson focused on issues including homelessness, affordable housing, infrastructure, economic development, and pedestrian and bicycle safety. He was instrumental in guiding efforts to repair and expand Englewood’s stormwater system following 2018 flooding and advocated for changes to city development rules aimed at reducing housing costs and homelessness.
Former City Manager Shawn Lewis remembered Anderson as a supportive and motivating leader. "Mayor Pro Tem Anderson was this rare combination of a constant encourager behind the scenes while simultaneously challenging us as staff to think bigger and do better," Lewis said. Lewis described Anderson as "one of the most effective, productive and positive council members I’ve ever worked with."