Authorities have identified Patrick Weier as the individual who died in a former gold mine that is now a tourist attraction in Colorado. Weier, a Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine tour guide, passed away after being trapped underground for several hours due to an elevator malfunction. The incident occurred when the elevator experienced mechanical issues, leaving tour group participants trapped at the bottom of the mine, which is about 1,000 feet deep. Rescue efforts were made, resulting in the successful extraction of 11 people, including two children and four individuals with minor injuries. Unfortunately, Weier and 12 others remained stuck at the bottom of the mine for approximately six hours. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the malfunction and what went wrong at the 500-foot level. Tributes have been pouring in for Weier, who is remembered as a devoted father to a 7-year-old boy. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support his son’s future. Weier’s loved ones remember him as a “great daddy,” a “hero,” and a “light in a dark world.” The Teller County Commissioner acknowledged the impact of the tragedy on the small community, emphasizing that it was a significant loss for the county and the state of Colorado. The sheriff described the incident as a tragic event and highlighted the family-owned nature of the mine operation.
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