The victim of a Colorado gold mine breakdown has been identified as the father of someone hailed as a “hero” and a “great friend.”
Patrick Weier, 46, died Thursday after an incident inside the Mollie Kathleen gold mine near Cripple Creek.
Weier had worked at the facility as a tour guide and as a volunteer firefighter leaves behind a 7-year-old boy.
Cripple Creek Mayor Annie Durham described Weier as an active member of the local community who was well respected.
Weier was the only victim following an incident inside the mine, which is now a tourist attraction, which involved a malfunction in the elevator system.
Patrick Weier, 46, died Thursday after an incident inside the Mollie Kathleen gold mine near Cripple Creek.
Weier had worked at the facility, as seen here, as a tour guide and as a volunteer firefighter; leaves behind a 7-year-old child.
His death and the still unknown malfunction left twelve people stranded 300 meters deep in the mine for hours while they waited to be rescued.
Rescue teams arrived at the scene and managed to rescue eleven people who were trapped at the midpoint of the well.
Since officials announced that Weier was the only person who lost his life, social media has been flooded with tributes to him.
His close friend Chris Martin posted on his Facebook page describing him as one of the “best men I have ever had the privilege of knowing.”
He said: ‘I miss you brother, I can’t believe you’re gone. This is heartbreaking beyond measure.
‘The impression you left on all of us will be carried with us for the rest of our lives. Thanks for everything my man. You truly were a light in a very, very dark world.
Dana Ballard similarly posted: ‘I’m speechless.’ It doesn’t seem real that you’re gone. We had plans to face the world.
‘You were a great friend, father and hero. I love you brother. We will meet again.’
Since authorities announced that Weier was the only person who lost his life, social media has been flooded with tributes to him.
According to the Sheriff, a malfunction in the elevator system created a “serious danger” to those on board while they were 500 feet inside the mine.
Chris Gosnell added: “I am speechless upon hearing this terrible news. I will miss our random chats and back and forth banter.
‘Great memories that I will cherish forever. I love you friend.’
Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said Friday, “We lost a person in our local community who will be missed, who is the father of a child and has family in the area.” He was a good man and loved his job.
According to Mikesell, an investigation into the malfunction is currently underway and is being led by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
According to authorities, at least four people suffered minor injuries, including back and neck pain, which were treated at the scene.
The mine, which is a tourist attraction, officially closed in the 1960s, but has continued to offer tours that take people 100 stories deep into the earth.
According to Mollie Kathleen’s website, the last touring day of the season was due to be this Sunday.
Here first responders are seen working the scene after the incident Thursday afternoon.
The mine, which is a tourist attraction, officially closed in the 1960s, but has continued to offer tours that take people 100 stories deep into the earth.
According to the company’s website, the tour involves a two-minute drive to the mine, where tourists can walk a quarter-mile of underground terrain.
According to Mollie Kathleen’s website, the last touring day of the season was due to be this Sunday.
Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement Thursday: “I am relieved that 12 of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Mine have been safely rescued.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the person lost in this incident.”
