Patrick Weier Obituary, Death – On Friday, the Teller County Sheriff’s Office revealed the identity of the individual who died due to a mine malfunction near Cripple Creek. Sheriff Jason Mikesell and Commissioner Dan Williams held a press conference at noon, where they confirmed that the victim was 46-year-old Patrick Weier, a resident of Victor. Weier worked as a tour guide at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine and is survived by a 7-year-old child.
Annie Durham, the mayor of Cripple Creek, shared insights about Weier, noting that he was pursuing a career as a firefighter. Recently, he had received his certification and intended to volunteer as a firefighter. Weier was remembered as an active and well-respected member of the community.
Incident Overview
On Thursday afternoon, law enforcement was alerted to a situation at the former gold mine, which now serves as a tourist attraction. When authorities arrived, they discovered that nearly two dozen people were trapped underground.
During the press conference, Sheriff Mikesell indicated that the incident appeared to stem from a mechanical issue with the elevator system used to transport tourists into the mine. It was reported that about 500 feet below ground, an issue occurred with the elevator doors, although investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the malfunction.
In total, 23 individuals were rescued from the mine. This included 11 people who were on the elevator at the time of the incident and 12 adults who were part of a different group trapped approximately 1,000 feet below ground with another guide. Thankfully, all 23 victims sustained only minor injuries and were offered mental health support following their ordeal.
Investigative Efforts
Mikesell confirmed that both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration are involved in the investigation. The sheriff’s office has stated that this incident is the first of its kind in 40 years at the site.
Community Impact
During the press conference, Sheriff Mikesell expressed his sympathy for the family that has operated the tourist mine for generations, describing them as “good people.” He noted their long history with the operation, stating, “This family that runs that mining operation, or that tourist operation, they’re good people. They’ve been doing it for 60 years, and this was just a very tragic event that occurred.”
Mikesell and Commissioner Williams also shared their hopes for the mine to reopen, emphasizing its historical significance and representation of the mining industry in Teller County. Mikesell mentioned, “We want to see it open back up, and hopefully they can go through the safety mechanisms and make sure it’s a safe event.”
Conclusion
As investigations into the cause of the malfunction continue, the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine has announced it will be closed for the winter. This closure was planned as it was the final week of operations before seasonal shutdown. The mine’s website indicated that it would remain closed until further notice, as safety measures are assessed and enhanced in light of the recent tragedy. The community mourns the loss of Weier while reflecting on the incident’s impact on local tourism and history.