Sat Oct 12 13:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Gold Mine Tragedy: Guide Killed, Tourists Trapped After Lift Malfunction
**Cripple Creek, Colorado** – A tragic accident at the historic Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine has claimed the life of a tour guide, Patrick Weier, and left 12 tourists stranded underground for six hours.
The incident occurred Thursday afternoon when the lift carrying 11 people, including Mr. Weier, malfunctioned about 500 feet down the 1,000-foot deep shaft. While the exact cause remains under investigation, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell believes it was a mechanical issue rather than a medical emergency.
Four individuals on the lift sustained minor injuries, and were brought to the surface first. The remaining 12 tourists and a guide who were already underground were trapped for six hours before being safely rescued.
Mr. Weier, a 46-year-old father of one, was a well-respected guide at the mine, which has been operating tours for 50 years. He resided in the nearby town of Victor.
Sheriff Mikesell emphasized that the mine had passed safety inspections, though he did not disclose the dates. The lift is operated from a control cab on the surface.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, located approximately 110 miles south of Denver, is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can experience a two-minute descent into the mine, where they can view gold veins and ride an underground tram.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident to determine the exact cause of the lift malfunction.
First Piper 