Survivor in Colo. Mine Collapse Speaks Out and Remembers Being Trapped but 'Never Panicked'

Mar. 15, 2025

A Missouri woman who was among 23 people rescued after anelevator malfunctioned at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Minein Cripple Creek, Colo., and one person died now says the group didn’t panic during their hourslong ordeal last week.

Pulse and the others were underground, in the gold mine tourist attraction, at the time of the incident on Thursday, Oct. 10.

According to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, one group of 12 people were in “severe danger” when the elevator car they were riding had a mechanical issue about 500 feet below the surface.

Additionally, another group of 12 people — including Pulse — were trapped about 1,000 feet below until they were rescued.

The person who diedwas later identified as Patrick Weier, 46, who worked as a tour guide for the mine.

She also recalled the conditions she and her fellow tourists experienced before officials reached them.

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Pulse offered praise to authorities for the way the situation was managed.

“I am really pleased with the way the Teller County Sheriff’s department handled things," she said. “They could’ve told us, but that would’ve just caused panic. There’s no need. There was nothing we can do about it.”

She also expressed gratitude to the first responders, the state, the county, the mining commission and the company in ensuring the group’s safety.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities try to determine what happened that led to the elevator malfunction.

On itswebsite, the mine announced that it has closed until further notice.

“We know at 500 feet is where the issue occurred,” Mikesell previously told reporters. “We know that there was some type of incident with the doors and at that point something went wrong. We don’t know what caused that. We don’t know what happened.”

As of Monday, Oct. 14, the campaign has raised more than $40,000 “that will go directly towards supporting his future whether it’s for his education basic needs or anything that will help give him the best start in life despite this tragedy,” John wrote in the campaign description.

In a statement later shared with PEOPLE on Oct. 14, John wrote: “My brother, Patrick Walter Weier, was an amazing person and my best friend. He was the most loving and selfless person I have ever known. This loss hits everyone so much harder because of the truly incredible and genuine man that he was. Anyone who met him could see that within minutes. His bond with his son was something I’ve never seen before—true best friends and adventure buddies. I can’t even begin to think of how much I will miss him because I know his son will miss him 100 times more. Our hearts and souls are breaking, and I wish I could take his place. All we can do now is remember the incredible man he was and do our best to take care of his son.”

“The outpouring of love and support from the community has been incredible, and it is the one thing that has helped to ease our pain during this devastating time. We are deeply grateful for your kindness,” John added.

In a previous statement,Colorado Gov. Jared Polissaid he was “saddened to learn of the loss of a life in this tragic accident and my heart goes out to the family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

“While we are still gathering information,” Polis added, “the State of Colorado is doing everything in our power to support local authorities and ensure the safe rescue of those who are still in the mine. I have been in close contact with local authorities and continue to monitor the situation closely as we direct state resources to support the swift and safe resolution of this unfortunate event.”

source: people.com