### Tour Guide Dies in Mine Elevator Malfunction, Eleven Rescued

Authorities in Colorado have released the identity of a man who tragically lost his life in an incident at a former gold mine that has since been converted into a tourist site. Patrick Weier, a tour guide at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, died after being trapped for several hours underground due to a malfunctioning elevator last Thursday.

Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell reported that the incident occurred around noon, when the elevator at the mine, which plunges about 1,000 feet beneath the surface, began to experience severe mechanical issues. This created a dangerous situation for the tour group present at the time.

Emergency responders from both state and local agencies quickly arrived on the scene. Using a trolley system, they initially rescued 11 people, which included two children and four individuals who sustained minor injuries. Unfortunately, the remaining 12 people, including Weier, were trapped at the bottom of the mine for nearly six hours.

Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams highlighted the gravity of the incident, pointing out that the entire region is tightly knit. With the county's population under 30,000 and the immediate areas involved including communities of fewer than 400 and 1,200 people respectively, the tragic event has profoundly affected the local population.

An extensive investigation is currently underway to pinpoint the cause of the elevator's malfunction. Sheriff Mikesell confirmed that the problem appeared to originate around the 500-foot mark, involving the elevator doors. No definitive explanation has yet been found.

Adding to the challenge, Mikesell noted the cramped conditions within the elevator, which typically holds only four to six people. Whether the elevator fell, got stuck, or experienced another type of failure remains unclear, with varying initial reports complicating the understanding of the event.

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a family-owned business operating as a tourist attraction for 60 years, has been deeply affected by the incident. Sheriff Mikesell extended his sympathies, emphasizing the longstanding and reputable nature of the business.