Tragedy has struck a Colorado family once more, as Gerry Goldberg, an 82-year-old man, lost his life in a car accident at an intersection where he had previously suffered devastating personal loss. This fatal incident occurred on March 2 at the intersection of East Belleview Avenue and South Franklin Street in Cherry Hills, an area that has become synonymous with grief for the Goldberg family.
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Gerry was pronounced dead at the scene following a collision involving two vehicles. This crash marks a painful continuation of the Goldberg family’s history at this location, as nearly two years prior, Gerry’s wife, Andie Goldberg, was killed there while jogging. Andie’s death in May 2024 prompted Gerry to advocate for improved safety measures at the site, leading to a community-led petition in November 2025 that aimed to install traffic lights at the intersection.
The petition, supported by a local advocacy group named Andie’s Light, called for the city councils of Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village to promptly approve the funding necessary for the installation of traffic lights at the hazardous crossing. Gerry had expressed a strong desire for such a measure, suggesting it would provide him “a great deal of resolve for closure” following the tragic loss of his wife.
In the wake of Gerry’s passing, his cousin Gloria, who was meant to meet Gerry for lunch on the day of the accident, is grappling with the profound irony of the situation. “I don’t know what to tell you about that,” she stated, reflecting on the uncanny parallels between the two tragic incidents. “To have it happen in exactly the same place to me it’s just — it’s almost like science fiction.”
As the community mourns Gerry, members of Andie’s Light are focused on their collective grief while also considering the political campaign that Gerry had championed. Jerry Presley, a key member of the advocacy group, noted that their current priority is to support one another during this harrowing time. He affirmed, “We are in the first stage of grief,” indicating that the group may resume their efforts to push for traffic lights in the future.
Currently, a traffic light has yet to be erected at the intersection, despite the ongoing discussions among local authorities. Officials from Greenwood Village are reportedly working in collaboration with their counterparts in Cherry Hills to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed street light. A spokesperson from Greenwood Village, Megan Copenhaver, confirmed that the Colorado Department of Transportation supports the initiative.
The Cherry Hills Village City Council has stated that a meeting is scheduled for March 17 to discuss conducting an updated warrant study regarding the installation of the traffic light. The council has committed to expediting efforts and working alongside Greenwood Village staff to resolve the situation promptly. “The City remains committed to carefully evaluating all available data and working with regional partners to promote the safety and well-being of our community,” the council declared. They assured the public that updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
As the Barry family grapples with their grief, the memory of Andie Goldberg remains at the forefront of efforts to enhance road safety at the problematic intersection. The tragic events that have unfolded have not only highlighted the dangers present at this crossing but have also underscored the importance of community action and support in the face of adversity.
With two lives lost at the same intersection, the call for change has never been more urgent. The community is left hoping that their efforts will lead to concrete actions that will prevent further tragedies and ensure the safety of pedestrians in the area.