Patrick Weier, a 46-year-old father and tour guide at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Colorado, died in a tragic elevator accident as the elevator was descending 500 feet down the 1,000-foot deep shaft. Weier had a 7-year-old son and lived in the area, leaving behind a devastated community. The exact cause of the accident is still unknown, but investigators believe it was due to a mechanical issue rather than a medical episode. The elevator experienced a drop, but it is unclear if it dropped or bounced, as there were no cameras inside to capture the incident. The elevator had passed safety inspections, and authorities are working with federal agencies to further investigate the incident. Twenty-three other people were safely brought up from the mine after the accident, with 11, including Weier, on the elevator at the time. The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine expressed condolences and closed until further notice. Governor Jared Polis, Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams, and the White House all reached out to express sympathy and support. At this time, the community is mourning the loss of Weier and trying to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
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Tour guide identified as man killed in Colorado mine accident
