UPDATE: Sheriff’s Office identifies victim of Mollie Kathleen Mine incident

The full press conference can be viewed in the video player above.

UPDATE: FRIDAY 10/11/2024 12:55 p.m.

(TELLER COUNTY, Colo.) — On Friday, Oct. 11 during a press conference, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell identified the victim of Thursday’s incident at the Mollie Kathleen Mine after an elevator malfunction occurred at 500 feet.

The Sheriff identified the man as 46-year-old Patrick Weier, who is survived by a 7-year-old.

The man, according to Sheriff Mikesell is local to the community and was a tour guide at the mine. The Sheriff asked the community for compassion as the victim’s family, who also lives in the area, continues to heal from this tragedy. There is no word yet on whether a memorial will be held for the victim and the Sheriff’s Office said it would be respecting the wishes of the family.

The Sheriff also spoke on the family that owns the mine, calling Thursday’s incident a tragic accident. “They are good people, they have been doing it for 60 years.” Prior to bringing up the 12 people trapped at 1,000 feet, Sheriff Mikesell said the owner of the mine rode with inspectors to ensure the elevator was working properly before others were brought up.

Sheriff Mikesell also gave an update on the two children involved in the initial incident at the 500-foot level and said both were teenagers. The teens were both given teddy bears by deputies and spoke with mental health experts as did the others who were rescued.

Barbara Manning, the Mayor of Victor said that Weier was from the town and will be missed dearly. She added that he had just obtained his firefighter certification. “I know in Victor that everyone will be in mourning when they realize who it is,” said the Mayor.

OSHA and Mine Safety are now investigating the incident along with TCSO.

ORIGINAL STORY: Sheriff’s Office gives update on mine rescue

FRIDAY 10/11/2024 10:28 a.m.

The Teller County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) told FOX21 News that it would be giving updates on the Mollie Kathleen Mine rescue on Friday, Oct. 11 beginning at noon at the Sheriff’s Office.

On Thursday, Oct. 10, 23 people were rescued from the mine near Cripple Creek after a malfunction happened in the elevator that brings visitors in and out of the mine.

The elevator had 11 people on board when the malfunction happened at 500 feet below the surface. TCSO said as a result of the malfunction one person lost their life, and four others were injured.

On Thursday night just after 7 p.m. 12 people and a tour guide were brought to the surface after they were tapped 1,000 feet below for several hours.

According to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, the mine’s last incident was in 1986. This upcoming weekend the Mollie Kathleen Mine was scheduled to host its last day for the season, which was set for Sunday, Oct. 13.

FOX21 News will be in attendance at the 12 p.m. press conference and will provide a live stream of the update in the video player above.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.