Mountain towns remember man killed in mine incident

(TELLER COUNTY, Colo.) — The person who died on Thursday, Oct. 10 in the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine accident , has been identified as 46-year-old Patrick Weier.

He died as a result of an elevator malfunction about halfway into the mine. The Teller County Sheriff said there was an incident with the elevator doors.

A tour guide at the time, Weier was a resident of Victor, located just outside of Cripple Creek. The mayors of both Victor and Cripple Creek say they, like most in the area, knew him.

“Our tendency as communities when something happens, we band together and we take care of each other, whether it’s a weather event or a tragedy like this,” said Annie Durham, Mayor of Cripple Creek. “So even for those who don’t know him personally, it’s just the nature of our community. So this is very difficult for everyone. “

Those who knew him are remembering Weier as a man who was very active in the community and well respected by all. He had just completed his fire certificate to be a volunteer firefighter in his small mountain community of less than 400 people.

“I know in Victor, that everybody will be in mourning when they realize who it is,” said Barbara Manning, the Victor Mayor.

Weier is survived by his 7-year-old child and wife, who are asking for privacy during this difficult time. Officials say memorial information will be provided once it’s available.

“My feelings are… that he was attempting to make everybody safe. Now, I don’t know what occurred though. I think our investigation will come out with that. You know, all I know is that he was a good man and he loved his job,” said Jason Mikesell, the Teller County Sheriff. “For us, and what it looks like, that he may have been a hero from the beginning.”

According to the sheriff, the two children who were inside the elevator at the time are around 13 years old.

The sheriff was called in to assist around noon on Thursday. By the time he arrived, around 12:45 p.m., the 11 people in the elevator had just been brought to the surface.

Mental health services have been provided to the people who experienced this ordeal, to address the traumatic experience. The 12 others who were inside the mine for roughly seven hours have been offered mental health support as well.

OSHA and mine safety are assisting the Teller County Sheriff’s Office in this investigation.

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