Colorado tour guide was person who died in accident at Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine

A tragic accident occurred on Thursday at Colorado’s historic Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, claiming the life of 46-year-old tour guide Patrick Weier. Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell confirmed Weier’s identity on Friday, while his grieving mother, Ruth Weier, reflected on the outpouring of support her family has received.

“He was a great guy,” Ruth said. “I’m pretty drained,” she added, noting how touched she was by the many tributes to her son. “I had no idea how many friends he had,” she shared with CBS News Colorado.

Weier, originally from the Chicago area, had relocated to Colorado about a decade ago. In Chicago, he was well-known for embodying “Billy Cub,” a mascot-like character he and his brother created. The duo became beloved figures outside Chicago Cubs games, delighting fans with their antics.

The accident that took Weier’s life occurred approximately 500 feet underground, within one of the mine’s elevator shafts. Weier was guiding a group at the time, and four others sustained minor injuries in the incident. Following the accident, mental health and emergency response teams were dispatched to meet the group as they surfaced.

A second group of visitors, located deeper in the mine, found themselves temporarily trapped due to safety concerns about the elevator system. They were safely brought to the surface six hours later, after thorough inspections of the shaft.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.