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Colorado residents are mourning the sudden death of Joe Anderson, Englewood's mayor pro tem, who died while hiking in Summit County.
The City of Englewood announced on Aug. 28 that Anderson "died this morning while hiking in Summit County." The Denver Post reported that he was 45 years old.
According to reports from CBS Colorado, the Denver Gazette and 9News, Summit County Sheriff's deputies responded to the lower slopes of Quandary Mountain at approximately 6:40 a.m. after receiving a report of a hiker who had lost consciousness and was not breathing.
Other hikers at the scene had already begun performing CPR when deputies arrived. Law enforcement officers and medical personnel continued efforts to revive him, but Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene.
His official cause of death will be determined by the county coroner.
Anderson was remembered by Englewood officials for his extensive work in the community, including efforts related to infrastructure following deadly flooding in 2018. He also supported the adoption of "15-minute city" principles, which focus on making essential services such as employment, shopping, education and healthcare accessible through a short walk, bicycle ride or public transit journey.
Before entering politics, Anderson was involved in several community initiatives. He served in pastoral roles at local churches, helped establish the nonprofit coalition Change the Trend and coordinated Be a Tool, an annual community service project that was later renamed the Neighborhood Rehab Project.
His work with Change the Trend also helped lay the foundation for the Tri-Cities Homelessness Policy Committee.
Anderson was first elected to the Englewood City Council in 2019 and became mayor pro tem in December 2023. During his time in public office, he advocated for people experiencing homelessness, affordable housing and improved bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Englewood Mayor Othoniel Sierra described Anderson's death as a devastating loss for the community.
"Joe was always there to lend a hand," Sierra said, highlighting Anderson's work as a friend, neighbor, pastor and council member. He also praised Anderson's efforts to help seniors and disabled residents with home repairs and his continued commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Outgoing City Manager Shawn Lewis also paid tribute to Anderson, describing him as an encouraging presence who challenged city staff to think bigger and improve their work.
Lewis recalled Anderson's compassion toward colleagues and said he regularly checked on staff members during difficult periods.
Anderson's current council term was scheduled to run until November 2027.
"This is a tremendous loss for our city," Sierra said, extending condolences to Anderson's family and friends.
