A tragic accident occurred at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Colorado, resulting in the death of a 46-year-old tour guide named Patrick Weier, who left behind a 7-year-old son. The accident happened when the elevator was about 500 feet down a 1,000-foot shaft, but the exact cause is still under investigation. Initial reports suggested the elevator may have experienced a drop, but details remain unclear as there is no camera in the small elevator to show what happened. Weier’s death is believed to be a result of a mechanical issue rather than a medical episode.
Authorities, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, are investigating the incident. Safety inspections were conducted on the elevator, which had passed, according to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell. Weier was one of 11 individuals on the elevator at the time, out of a total of 24 people brought up from the mine after the accident.
The mine expressed condolences to everyone involved and announced its closure until further notice. Governor Jared Polis and the White House also extended their sympathies to Weier’s family. Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams emphasized the need for mourning in the wake of the tragic event. The circumstances surrounding the accident are still being investigated to provide answers to Weier’s family and the wider community.
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