The man who died in a Colorado mine elevator accident was identified as Patrick Weier, a 46-year-old father and tour guide at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine. The accident occurred at the mine near Cripple Creek when the elevator was about 500 feet down a 1,000-foot deep shaft. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident, with officials believing it was due to a mechanical issue rather than a medical episode.
The circumstances surrounding Weier’s death were not disclosed, but initial reports suggested the elevator may have experienced a drop. There is no camera in the small elevator to show exactly what happened. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, along with other agencies, are also investigating the incident.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine expressed its condolences and closed until further notice following the accident. Governor Jared Polis extended his condolences and Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams mentioned that the White House also reached out in response to the incident. Williams emphasized that this is a time for mourning and offered prayers and condolences to everyone affected by the tragedy.
Weier leaves behind a 7-year-old son and lived in Victor, a small community in the area. The state conducts safety inspections at the mine, and officials confirmed that it had passed its inspections. The elevator is operated from a cab on the surface, and a total of 23 people, including Weier, were brought up from the mine after the accident.
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