### Tragic Incident at Cripple Creek Gold Mine Claims Employee's Life

CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. (KKTV) - As the community grapples with a heart-wrenching incident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, authorities are working to unravel the details surrounding a malfunction that left tourists trapped 1,000 feet underground and resulted in the tragic death of an employee. Patrick Weier, a tour guide at the mine, was aboard the elevator when a suspected mechanical failure occurred 500 feet below the surface. The precise sequence of events remains under investigation, with officials noting a crushed door but lacking clarity on the aftermath of the malfunction.

Leading the investigation is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), yet much remains unclear about what led to the mishap and Weier's subsequent death. The loss of Weier, who lived nearby in Victor and worked in Cripple Creek, has cast a pall over the tight-knit community.

Cripple Creek Mayor Annie Durham expressed the sentiment shared by many, stating, "Cripple Creek is a very small community and a very tight-knit community, and we did lose one of our own yesterday. It's devastating to the community." This sentiment was echoed by Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams, who highlighted the profound impact of the tragedy on the small towns in the region, emphasizing that a population of less than 400 in Victor and about 1,200 in neighboring towns amplifies the sense of loss.

Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell also reflected on the profound sadness felt by the community, urging compassion for Weier's family, particularly his 7-year-old son. "We lost a local person in our community who will be missed," Mikesell shared, emphasizing the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew Weier.

In the wake of the tragedy, Weier's brother John Paul has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist in supporting Weier's child. The fundraiser aims to provide for the boy's future, focusing on his education and basic needs to ensure he has the best start in life despite the devastating circumstances.

As investigations continue and the community mourns, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks of mining and the tight-knit bonds that define small-town life in Cripple Creek and Victor.