A 46-year-old father and tour guide, Patrick Weier, died in a tragic accident in a Colorado mine elevator at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine. The accident occurred when the elevator was about 500 feet down a 1,000-foot deep shaft. Investigators are still trying to determine the exact cause of the accident. Weier had a 7-year-old son and lived in Victor, Colorado. It is believed that the accident was caused by a mechanical issue rather than a medical episode. The elevator was descending at the time of the accident, but there is uncertainty about whether it dropped or bounced. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and other agencies are conducting investigations.
In addition to Weier, 23 other people were brought up from the mine after the accident. The mine has expressed condolences to all involved and is temporarily closed. Governor Jared Polis and the White House have reached out to offer condolences. Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams emphasized the importance of mourning during this time. The state conducts safety inspections, but specific details about the elevator inspections were not provided. The mine assures that safety is a top priority and expresses gratitude to first responders and other emergency personnel.
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