One Dead With Horrible Accident at Colorado Tourist Mine

**UPDATE**

On January 16, 2025, it was reported that after a months-long investigation, it was found that it was neither faulty equipment nor safety practices at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine that caused the staffer's death, but operator error.

The investigation did not state what the exact error was in letting the tour mine resume operations.

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What was supposed to be a fun Colorado outing turned into a horrible and scary accident, leaving one person dead.

How will an accident like this affect these kind of tours in Colorado? The older the mines around Colorado become, is it time to just leave them to history?

Will you be thinking twice the next time the family wants to try something like this out?

Gold Mine Tour in Colorado Turns Tragic

What was known as the longest running gold mine tour in America closed indefinitely after one of its tours had and accident involving the old elevator that takes people down to the mine.

According to KRDO, the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, in Teller County near Cripple Creek, had an issue with its elevator that takes people down 1,000 feet during one of its $30/person tour.

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The tour usually takes one hour; six hours after this tour began, 12 people had been safely exited from the mine, while one person (reportedly a tour guide) had died (cause unspecified at this time) due to an "equipment issue." According to KRDO, 11 other people were exited early on.

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Those who were rescued were surprised to hear that they were part of such a large rescue response, as they enjoyed pizza that the Teller County Sheriff's Department had gotten for them.

While a full investigation is underway regarding the incident, the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine's website has this statement:

Recently the Mollie Kathleen experienced a tragic event.

We would like to send out prayers and condolences to everyone involved.

We would also like to thank all of the first responders and emergency personnel who helped us through such a difficult time.

The Mollie Kathleen will be closed until further notice.