Overview

• The October 2024 incident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine resulted in the accidental death of tour guide Patrick Weier and left 23 people temporarily trapped underground.
• Authorities determined the cause of the elevator malfunction was operator error, ruling out equipment failure or non-compliance with safety regulations.
• The mine was issued a cease-and-desist order following the incident, which has since been lifted after state inspections found no imminent or substantial danger to the public or employees.
• Rescue operations lasted several hours, with trapped tourists provided supplies and safely brought to the surface using the repaired elevator system.
• The mine, which has operated as a tourist destination for over 50 years, is permitted to reopen for the 2025 season, though no specific reopening date has been announced.