Michael Anderson, a popular teacher at Waianae High School and community leader, died after falling 200 feet during a hike in Makaha Valley on Friday, friends said.

Firefighters recovered the body of the 25-year-old Waianae man yesterday morning at 7:20 a.m. makai of two water tankers on the mountain near Makaha Valley Tower Condominiums.

Police said Anderson and a 32-year-old friend were hiking Friday afternoon in Makaha Valley when it started to rain and low clouds moved in. Anderson apparently slipped and was seen tumbling down the hillside.

Anderson's friend called for help about 6 p.m., but firefighters searching by foot and air couldn't find Anderson and called off the search about 10 p.m. because of bad weather, authorities said.

Originally from Maryland, Anderson was studying law at the University of Notre Dame three years ago when the nonprofit group Teach for America approached him about becoming a teacher in poor neighborhoods, said his friend and fellow Waianae High employee Calvin Endo.

Anderson accepted the offer and arrived at Waianae High School three weeks later. He started as a math teacher and established Waianae High's Mock Trial Club, which beat Punahou in 2008. The Hawaii State Bar Association recognized Anderson with its Liberty Bell award that year for establishing the club and teaching students about the judicial system.

Endo, who served along with Anderson on the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board, said Anderson loved teaching, and had a talent for explaining things and a gift for motivating students.

“;He had challenged the kids so much,”; Endo said.

He said Anderson also started the high school's Advanced Placement calculus classes.

About a year ago, Anderson became a substitute teacher so he could focus on his master's degree to teach history, Endo said.

Jo Jordan, chairwoman of the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board, said Anderson brought new life to the neighborhood board when he joined in July. He was willing to take on challenges and had concerns about schools, traffic and economic issues. He headed the board's economic development committee.

“;You could actually sense that he genuinely cared, and he wanted to engage in all those issues,”; she said. “;I think he was a new star in our community. I think he could have accomplished many things.

“;I think it was a loss for our school and the kids,”; she said.

Reggee Bailey, 17, a Waianae High senior, said Anderson's death “;blew my mind.”;

“;He was a real brilliant guy, really smart,”; Bailey said. “;He would always help others a lot, like tutoring and scholarships.”;

He said Anderson would support his reggae band by appearing at their performances or competitions.

Endo said grief counselors will be available at school tomorrow and students are planning a memorial.

An autopsy will be performed tomorrow. Police said they do not suspect foul play.