Patrick Weier Identified as Victim of 'Tragic Accident' at Colorado Gold Mine Tourist Attraction

Colorado Gold Mine

A tragic accident at a Colorado gold mine has claimed the life of 46-year-old Patrick Weier, a tour guide at the popular tourist attraction. Weier, a father who lived in the small community of Victor, just five miles from the mine, was involved in an incident on Thursday afternoon, as reported by Sky News’ US partner network, NBC News.

Details surrounding Weier's death remain limited, but Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell indicated that investigators suspect a mechanical failure with the lift was to blame, rather than any medical issue. At the time of the incident, Weier was one of 11 people in the lift, four of whom sustained minor injuries.

The malfunction occurred approximately 500 feet down the 1,000-foot shaft at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek. While Weier's group was descending, a separate group of 12 tourists, along with another guide, became trapped about 300 meters (1,000 feet) underground for six hours following the tragedy.

Sheriff Mikesell described the event as a "very tragic accident," emphasizing that the exact cause of the lift's malfunction is still under investigation. He mentioned that while there were initial reports of the lift dropping, officials have not confirmed if it fell or bounced. The mine, which has operated tours for 50 years and originally opened in the late 1800s before closing in 1961, has passed safety inspections, though specific dates were not provided during the press briefing.

Located roughly 110 miles (180 km) south of Denver, the mine offers visitors a chance to explore underground gold veins and ride an underground tram, making it a popular destination for those interested in Colorado's mining history.

Patrick Weier Identified as Victim of 'Tragic Accident' at Colorado Gold Mine Tourist Attraction