A 46-year-old father and tour guide, Patrick Weier, died in a tragic elevator accident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Colorado. The elevator was about 500 feet down a 1,000-foot shaft when the accident occurred. It is unclear what exactly happened, but initial reports suggest a mechanical issue rather than a medical episode. Weier leaves behind a 7-year-old son and lived in a small community nearby. The elevator was on its descent when the accident occurred, but the specific circumstances leading to Weier’s death are still under investigation.
The state and federal agencies, including OSHA, are investigating the incident. Safety inspections had previously been passed by the elevator, although the exact dates were not disclosed. Weier was one of 11 people on the elevator at the time of the accident, with 23 others brought up from the mine in subsequent trips. The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine expressed condolences for the tragic event and thanked first responders for their efforts.
Governor Jared Polis and the White House reached out to offer condolences, and Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams emphasized the need for mourning in the wake of the accident. The mine remains closed until further notice, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the accident.
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