Patrick Weier Obituary, Death; – On Friday, the Teller County Sheriff’s Office announced the identity of the individual who lost his life due to a mining incident near Cripple Creek.
Sheriff Jason Mikesell and Commissioner Dan Williams held a press conference at noon, revealing that the deceased was 46-year-old Patrick Weier from Victor. Weier served 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, remarked on Weier’s aspirations to become a firefighter, noting that he had recently obtained his certification and intended to volunteer in that capacity. Weier was recognized as an engaged and respected member of the community.
Mechanical failure suspected as the cause
On Thursday afternoon, law enforcement responded to the historic Colorado gold mine, which now functions as a tourist destination. Upon arrival, the sheriff’s office discovered that nearly twenty individuals were trapped underground.
On Friday, Mikesell indicated that the department suspects a mechanical failure related to the elevator system, which transports tourists into the mine, was responsible for the incident. He explained that approximately 500 feet below the surface, a malfunction occurred with the elevator doors. Investigators are currently working to determine the root cause of this issue.
In total, 23 individuals were rescued from the mine; 11 were on the elevator, while a separate group of twelve adults was trapped for approximately six hours at a depth of 1,000 feet with another guide. Fortunately, all 23 individuals sustained only minor injuries and were provided with mental health support, as reported by the sheriff’s office.
Mikesell also mentioned that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration are participating in the investigation. Family operating the mining business characterized as ‘good people’
During the press conference on Friday, Mikesell spoke highly of the family that has managed the tourist operation for generations, describing them as good people.
