The tragic incident that occurred during tours at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek has left many in mourning. The individual who lost their life in the elevator malfunction has been identified as Patrick Weier, a beloved tour guide at the mine. Weier, 46, leaves behind a 7-year-old son and was a resident of Victor.
It was reported that the malfunction happened around noon on Thursday, resulting in minor injuries to four people and the rescue of 23 individuals over a period of seven hours.
Personal Tribute and County Response
Victor Mayor Barbara Manning expressed her sorrow, stating, “Everybody will be in mourning when they realize who it is.” Additionally, Weier was on the path to becoming a volunteer firefighter, showcasing his dedication to serving the community.
The response to the incident was swift and comprehensive, with Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams calling it a “county tragedy” and a “Colorado tragedy.”
A comment on Weier’s Facebook page highlighted his character, praising him as one of the best individuals they had the privilege to know. This outpouring of support on social media serves as a testament to Weier’s impact on those around him.
Investigations are ongoing by authorities, including the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to determine the cause of the elevator malfunction.
Rescue Efforts and State Response
During the rescue operation, the first group of 11 people was safely brought back to the main level after the elevator malfunctioned at the 500-foot mark. Tragically, it was discovered that Weier had lost his life, while four others sustained minor injuries.
The remaining group of 12 individuals, including a mine tour guide, was stuck at the 1,000-foot level but was successfully brought back to the surface after extensive efforts.
The swift response of various agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, was instrumental in ensuring the safety of those involved.
Insight into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a popular tourist destination, offers visitors a unique experience of descending 1,000 feet below the ground. With deep historical roots dating back to the 1890s, the mine was named after Mollie Kathleen Gortner, a pioneering woman in the Cripple Creek gold camp.
While incidents like the recent elevator malfunction are rare, the mine has faced challenges in the past, including elevator failures in the 1990s. Daily safety tests are mandated for tourist mines in Colorado to prevent such incidents and prioritize visitor safety.
Revenue from tours is crucial to maintaining the mine in a safe and operational condition, ensuring that visitors can continue to experience its rich history and heritage.
As investigations continue into the tragic event at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, the community mourns the loss of Patrick Weier and reflects on the importance of safety measures in preserving historic sites for future generations.
The tragic incident that occurred during tours at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek has left many in mourning. The individual who lost their life in the elevator malfunction has been identified as Patrick Weier, a beloved tour guide at the mine. Weier, 46, leaves behind a 7-year-old son and was a resident of Victor.
It was reported that the malfunction happened around noon on Thursday, resulting in minor injuries to four people and the rescue of 23 individuals over a period of seven hours.
Personal Tribute and County Response
Victor Mayor Barbara Manning expressed her sorrow, stating, “Everybody will be in mourning when they realize who it is.” Additionally, Weier was on the path to becoming a volunteer firefighter, showcasing his dedication to serving the community.
The response to the incident was swift and comprehensive, with Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams calling it a “county tragedy” and a “Colorado tragedy.”
A comment on Weier’s Facebook page highlighted his character, praising him as one of the best individuals they had the privilege to know. This outpouring of support on social media serves as a testament to Weier’s impact on those around him.
Investigations are ongoing by authorities, including the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to determine the cause of the elevator malfunction.
Rescue Efforts and State Response
During the rescue operation, the first group of 11 people was safely brought back to the main level after the elevator malfunctioned at the 500-foot mark. Tragically, it was discovered that Weier had lost his life, while four others sustained minor injuries.
The remaining group of 12 individuals, including a mine tour guide, was stuck at the 1,000-foot level but was successfully brought back to the surface after extensive efforts.
The swift response of various agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, was instrumental in ensuring the safety of those involved.
Insight into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a popular tourist destination, offers visitors a unique experience of descending 1,000 feet below the ground. With deep historical roots dating back to the 1890s, the mine was named after Mollie Kathleen Gortner, a pioneering woman in the Cripple Creek gold camp.
While incidents like the recent elevator malfunction are rare, the mine has faced challenges in the past, including elevator failures in the 1990s. Daily safety tests are mandated for tourist mines in Colorado to prevent such incidents and prioritize visitor safety.
Revenue from tours is crucial to maintaining the mine in a safe and operational condition, ensuring that visitors can continue to experience its rich history and heritage.
As investigations continue into the tragic event at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, the community mourns the loss of Patrick Weier and reflects on the importance of safety measures in preserving historic sites for future generations.
