Beloved Politician Passes Away During Mountain Hike

Englewood Mayor Pro Tem Joe Anderson died Friday after collapsing during a hike on one of Colorado’s tallest mountains. He was 45.

Anderson lost consciousness and stopped breathing while hiking the lower slopes of Quandary Peak in Summit County, according to authorities.

Other hikers immediately stepped in and performed CPR until deputies and emergency crews arrived around 6:40 a.m. Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene after lifesaving efforts failed.

The coroner will determine Joe Anderson’s official cause of death.

Quandary Peak stands 14,271 feet above sea level and is located roughly six miles south of Breckenridge.

Before entering public office, Anderson served in pastoral roles at local churches. He was elected to represent District 3 on the Englewood City Council in 2019 and secured a second four-year term in November 2023. His fellow council members selected him as mayor pro tem the following month.

“We are all shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of our friend and council member, Joe Anderson,” Englewood Mayor Othoniel Sierra said, according to the city’s announcement of his death.

“Joe was always there to lend a hand, whether it was in his role as friend, neighbor, pastor or council member.”

“This is a tremendous loss for our city and our heart goes out to his family and friends during this time of loss,” Sierra added.

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Anderson helped guide efforts to repair and expand Englewood’s aging stormwater system after deadly flooding in 2018. He also helped found Change the Trend, a coalition focused on homelessness.

Outgoing City Manager Shawn Lewis remembered Anderson as a relentless but compassionate leader who expected more from city employees while making sure they knew they had his support.

“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 in the city’s announcement.

“He was one of the most effective, productive and positive council members I’ve ever worked with, and he was more than just a boss.”

Lewis said Anderson offered to pray for him when both of his parents were hospitalized during the COVID pandemic, then continued checking on him afterward.

“I’ll never forget the kindness and care he showed to me and I know so many others throughout his time on council,” Lewis added.

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