Patrick Weier, a 46-year-old tour guide and father, died in a tragic elevator accident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Colorado on Thursday. The elevator was at a depth of 500 feet in the 1,000-foot shaft when the accident occurred. It is unclear what exactly caused the accident, but investigators believe it was a mechanical issue rather than a medical emergency.
Weier leaves behind a 7-year-old son and lived in a small community near the mine. The elevator was on its descent when the accident happened, and there is no footage of the incident as there was no camera in the small elevator. The mine has passed safety inspections, but investigations are ongoing by federal agencies like OSHA to determine the cause of the accident.
At the time of the accident, there were 23 people in the mine, with 11 on the elevator that Weier was on. The mine has closed until further notice, and authorities and emergency personnel have expressed condolences and offered support to those affected by the tragic event.
Governor Jared Polis extended his condolences, and the White House also reached out to offer support. Teller County officials emphasized the need for mourning and support for Weier’s family during this difficult time. The investigation into the accident is ongoing as authorities work to understand what led to the tragic loss of life in the Colorado mine.
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