Teller County Sheriff’s Office identifies man who died in Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
TELLER COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) - The elevator at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is functioning again and rescuers have safely brought up the 12 people who were trapped 1,000 feet down in the mine, according to the Teller County Sheriff's Office (TCSO).
On Oct. 12, the elevator experienced a mechanical failure at 500 feet. One person died and 4 were injured in that initial incident.
Another group of 12 was on a tour and couldn't use the elevator to come to the surface. This left them stuck 1,000 feet underground for hours.
Officials confirmed that everyone was rescued safely and no further injuries were reported.
In total 23 people were rescued. 11 from the group that was in the elevator when the incident occurred, and 12 people in the group that was trapped underground.
46-year-old Patrick Weier died in the incident, according to TCSO. He is survived by a 7-year-old child and is a Cripple Creek-Victor local. He was a tour guide at the mine. TCSO says that at 500 feet there was an issue with the elevator door that contributed to his death.
The exact details of his death are still under investigation.
A memorial has started outside of the mine with bouquets that have been left in honor of the employee killed. Patrick Weier's day job was being a tour guide at Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, but he was also a full-time father to his seven-year-old son whom he leaves behind.
An online fundraiser has been started to support Patrick Weier's son.
Friends and family who spoke with KRDO13 say he was a stand-up guy who would give you the shirt off of his own back. But more than all he’s being remembered as a devoted father.
One mom whose son is best friends with Weier's son got emotional because she was there when Weier dropped his son off at school for the last time on Oct. 10. It’s a tragic loss felt across Cripple Creek and Victor.
"He was just, you know, doing his job here in the mining industry turning into the tourism industry that we have here in Victor. You know, just a real sweet, nice man minding his own business, and just couldn't have happened to a nicer person. Just a horrible, horrible tragedy," shared Victor business owner, Adam Zimmerli.
Now the small town of Victor is in mourning. The community of around 400 people vows to support the 46-year-old's son.
Friends are expected to hold a gathering to remember Weier on Saturday, Oct. 12.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine released the following statement on their website.
Recently the Mollie Kathleen experienced a tragic event.
We would like to send our prayers and condolences to everyone involved.
We would also like to thank all of the first responders and emergency personnel who helped us through such a difficult time.
The Mollie Kathleen will be closed until further notice.
Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Website
