Two people tragically lost their lives and four others were injured after a devastating incident at the Park Tavern patio in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, on Sunday night. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 56-year-old Steven Frane Bailey, has been arrested on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide.
The terrifying crash occurred around 8 p.m. as witnesses described the moments leading up to the accident. Surveillance footage revealed the driver entering the parking lot, attempting to park, and then accelerating straight onto the outdoor dining area where patrons were enjoying their evening.
Among the deceased were Kristina Folkerts, 30, known for her warm presence as a server at Park Tavern, and Gabe Harvey, who worked as Health Unit Coordinator at Methodist Hospital. Many of the injured were also Methodist employees, who were out celebrating one of their colleagues’ final shifts. Dr. Thomas Stark of Methodist Hospital shared poignant memories of the victims, noting how much they meant to their coworkers and patients alike.
Dr. Stark described Gabe Harvey as the 'kind and gentle soul' who played a pivotal role within the ICU. Kristina Folkerts, deeply connected to the restaurant, had previously grown up there, inspired by her mother’s own career before her passing due to cancer. She leaves behind three young daughters, who were always her priority, making the loss even more heartbreaking.
A memorial has been set up outside Park Tavern, adorned with flowers and memorabilia as the community mourns the loss of the two beloved figures. Friends and colleagues have rallied together to set up GoFundMe pages for the families affected by this tragedy. The statements of support reflect not just loss, but the sense of unity among those who knew the victims.
Witnesses at the scene recalled the shock and chaos after the impact. Many people were enjoying their evening when the accident occurred, and it left patrons and staff grappling with the repercussions of such violence.
Local police are conducting thorough investigations, gathering details from witnesses to piece together the full narrative of the event. At this point, authorities are still unclear about the reasons behind why Bailey accelerated onto the patio, raising questions about whether it was simply a horrific accident or indicative of something more sinister.
Park Tavern has decided to remain closed until they can fully support their staff through this challenging time, thanking patrons for their compassion and patience. Customers and staff alike have found solace in shared memories and stories of the joys these individuals brought to their lives.
Many of those impacted are leaning on their community for support, as they process not just the shock of the tragedy but also the loss of colleagues and friends. The hospital administration has offered their support, providing counseling to those affected by the incident as they navigate their grief.
Despite the pain this incident has caused, there is hope within the community. Friends and family of Folkerts and Harvey continue to share their memories and celebrate the lives they lived, ensuring their legacies endure even as they navigate these darkest hours.
The investigation is still active, and updates will continue as authorities work to provide clarity on this heartbreaking incident. The St. Louis Park community stands vigilant and united, hoping for answers and justice for those who have been lost.
More details are expected to emerge as investigators continue their work throughout the week, reassessing evidence and witness statements to determine the full story behind the crash, and perhaps ascertain the mental state of the driver at the time of the incident.
Friends and family have taken to social media, expressing their emotions and setting up memorial funds to encompass the tragedies. The emotional toll it has taken on those who loved Folkerts and Harvey is deep and poignant, with memories overflowing on social platforms.
For now, as the community continues to grapple with this unforeseen calamity, together they provide support to one another, moving forward hand-in-hand toward healing.
