An 82-year-old Colorado man, who became a vocal advocate for road safety improvements after his wife was killed at a dangerous intersection, has tragically died in a crash at the exact same location. Gerry Goldberg was struck and killed on Monday at the crossing of East Belleview Avenue and South Franklin Street, which lies on the border between Greenwood Village and Cherry Hills Village in the Denver metropolitan area.
A Personal Tragedy Sparks a Community Campaign
In May 2024, Gerry Goldberg's wife, Andreia Lea Goldberg, aged 59, was fatally hit by a motorist while returning home from a morning run at this intersection. Her death profoundly affected Gerry, leading him to co-found a community organization named Andie's Light. The group's primary mission was to secure the installation of a traffic light at what they described as a deadly crossing.
Shortly after becoming a widower, Gerry expressed his deep commitment to preventing further tragedies. He told local news outlet KUSA, 'Due to the death of Andie, I've been thinking of how much it means to me going forward that nothing like this ever happens again.' His dedication turned personal grief into a public safety crusade, rallying community support and engaging with local authorities.
A Fatal Journey to Lunch
Gerry Goldberg was driving to meet his cousin, Gloria Goldberg, for lunch when the fatal collision occurred. Gloria recounted to KUSA that she grew concerned when he failed to arrive at the restaurant and did not respond to texts or calls. She described leaving with a 'very empty feeling,' sensing something was terribly wrong. The news that Gerry had been killed at the same intersection as his wife left her in disbelief, with Gloria remarking, 'It’s almost like science fiction.'
Delayed Action and Bureaucratic Hurdles
The efforts of Andie's Light had prompted Cherry Hills Village council members to schedule a discussion for March 17 regarding a traffic signal warrant study. Following Gerry's death, this process has been expedited, according to Cherry Hills Village City Clerk Laura Gillespie, who spoke with the Daily Mail. Warrant studies are essential tools that collect data on traffic volumes, crash history, and pedestrian activity to determine if an intersection meets the criteria for a traffic light installation.
Complicating matters, Belleview Avenue is also designated as Colorado State Highway 88, meaning state transportation officials hold the final authority over any traffic light installation. They require the findings of a warrant study to make such decisions. In a video published by Andie's Light in October, the organization claimed, 'A recent traffic study was completed, and it confirmed that the traffic volume at this intersection has officially met the state requirements for a traffic light. The state gave a traffic light the greenlight. The data is there. The need is proven. The solution exists.'
Unanswered Questions and Jurisdictional Challenges
Despite this assertion five months prior, no traffic light had been installed by the time of Gerry's death, and the Cherry Hills Village city council was still discussing an 'updated' traffic warrant study. Laura Gillespie clarified that the March 17 meeting was intended to review this updated study. The prolonged delay may stem from the intersection's unique position straddling two municipalities—Greenwood Village and Cherry Hills Village—creating jurisdictional complexities that slow decision-making.
In response to Monday's fatal crash, staff at Cherry Hills Village have been directed to coordinate with Greenwood Village to examine the intersection and determine next steps. Greenwood Village spokesperson Megan Copenhaver informed the Denver Post that her municipality is collaborating with Cherry Hills Village to evaluate the intersection and coordinate efforts to promote safer driving practices.
Community Mourning and Calls for Change
Laura Gillespie expressed the community's sorrow in a statement to the Daily Mail, saying, 'Any loss of life in our community is heartbreaking, and we recognize the profound impact this incident has had on loved ones and neighbors. Our thoughts are with everyone grieving during this difficult time.'
The tragic deaths of both Gerry and Andreia Goldberg at the same intersection have underscored urgent concerns about road safety and bureaucratic efficiency. As investigations continue and warrant studies are expedited, residents and advocates hope that meaningful changes will finally be implemented to prevent future fatalities at this perilous crossing.
