PICTURED: Colorado dad Patrick Weier identified as gold mine disaster victim as loved ones share heartbreaking tributes

The victim of a Colorado gold mine disturbance has been identified as a father of a child who has been hailed as a “hero” and “great friend.”

Patrick Weier, 46, died Thursday after an incident at the Mollie Kathleen gold mine near Cripple Creek.

Weier had worked at the facility as a tour guide and, as a volunteer firefighter, he is survived by a 7-year-old child.

Annie Durham, the mayor of Cripple Creek, described Weier as an active member of the local community who was highly respected.

Weier was the only casualty after an incident at the mine, which is now a tourist attraction, involving a malfunction in the elevator system.

Weier had worked at the facility, seen here, as a tour guide and as a volunteer firefighter. He leaves behind a 7-year-old child

His death and the still unknown malfunction left twelve people stranded 300 meters deep in the mine for hours while they waited for rescue.

Rescue teams arrived on the scene and managed to get eleven people trapped halfway down the shaft to safety.

Since it was announced by officials that Weier was the only person to lose his life, social media has been flooded with tributes to him.

Good friend Chris Martin posted on his Facebook page a description of him as one of the “best men I have had the pleasure of knowing.”

He said, ‘I miss you brother, I can’t believe you’re gone. This is heartbreaking beyond measure.

‘The impression you left on all of us will last the rest of our lives. Thanks for everything, my husband. You were truly a light in a dark, dark world.”

Dana Ballard similarly wrote, “I’m at a loss for words. It doesn’t seem real that you’re gone. We had plans to take on the world.

“You were a great friend, father and hero. I love you brother. We will meet again.’

Since it was announced by officials that Weier was the only person to lose his life, social media has been flooded with tributes to him.

According to the sheriff, a malfunction in the elevator system created a “serious danger” to those on board while they were 500 feet deep in the mine.

Chris Gosnell added: “I have no words for the terrible news. I will miss our random chats and banter back and forth.

‘Beautiful memories that I will cherish forever. I love you, dude.”

Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said Friday, “We have lost an individual in our local community who will be missed, who is the father of a child and has family in the area. He was a good man and loved his job.”

According to Mikesell, an investigation into the malfunction is currently underway, led by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

At least four people suffered minor injuries, including back and neck pain, which were treated at the scene, officials said.

The mine, a tourist attraction, officially closed in the 1960s but continues to offer tours that take people 100 stories deep into the earth

According to Mollie Kathleen’s website, next Sunday would be the last day of the season’s tours

First responders are working here after the incident Thursday afternoon

The mine, a tourist attraction, officially closed in the 1960s but continues to offer tours that take people up to 100 stories deep into the earth.

According to the company’s website, the tour includes a two-minute drive to the mine, where tourists can walk a quarter mile of underground terrain.

According to Mollie Kathleen’s website, next Sunday would be the last day of the season’s tours.

Governor Jared Polis said in a statement Thursday: “I am relieved that twelve of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Mine have been safely rescued.

“Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the person who lost their lives in this incident.”