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Driver identified in fatal patio crash at Park Tavern restaurant in St. Louis Park
Duluth

Driver identified in fatal patio crash at Park Tavern restaurant in St. Louis Park

A memorial was erected early Monday morning, with T-shirts bearing the company’s name and flowers hanging from the backs of a dozen chairs.

Courtesy of Hennepin County Jail

A law enforcement source confirmed to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS on Monday that the man arrested in connection with Sunday night’s fatal crash at the Park Tavern in St. Louis Park is Steven Frane Bailey.

Bailey, 56, was booked into the Hennepin County Jail on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter. No charges have been filed yet.

Park Tavern announces that the building will remain closed until further notice following the accident on its patio that left two people dead and four others injured.

Police initially reported three injuries and two deaths on Sunday, but a statement from Methodist Hospital on Monday confirmed that four nurses had been injured and that one of the dead was a “beloved and valued colleague and friend to many here at Methodist Hospital and HealthPartners.”

The statement continued: “During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of our colleague. (…) In the coming days, we will focus on supporting our colleagues and the families of those affected by this tragedy. The close relationships our colleagues have with one another are part of what makes Methodist a special place. Park Tavern has been a great partner of our hospital for many years and our thoughts are with them as well.”

The owner of the Park Tavern spoke to reporters Monday morning and said the other person killed was a waitress at the restaurant and mother of three little girls, Kristina Folkerts.

A memorial was erected in front of the company early Monday morning, with flowers and T-shirts bearing the company’s name on the backs of a dozen chairs.

According to a social media post from the business, the decision to remain closed was made to “support and care for our employees and neighbors.” Owners thank customers for their understanding and kindness, while regulars and employees are devastated by Sunday night’s incidents.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS spoke to Dr. Thomas Stark of Methodist Hospital, who said a group of his colleagues were out celebrating one of their staff members leaving her job as an intensive care nurse after seven years to study to become a nurse anesthetist.

“On to the next chapter of their lives and everyone was out celebrating, having a good time and saying goodbye,” Stark said.

The nurse, a woman named Laura, is now in hospital with serious injuries.

A chair with a surgical gown stands at a memorial at the Park Tavern on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. Photo credit: KSTP-TV
Chairs are set up with T-shirts and flowers at the Park Tavern in St. Louis Park on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. Photo credit: Bailey Hurley/KSTP-TV
Chairs are set up with T-shirts and flowers at the Park Tavern in St. Louis Park on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. Photo credit: Bailey Hurley/KSTP-TV

In addition, Stark said one of the two people killed also worked in the intensive care unit. He further said the male victim was the intensive care unit coordinator and had worked at the hospital for years.

“He was just a kind and gentle soul who kept everything running smoothly in the intensive care unit,” Stark said.

Two other victims – a man and a woman – had also worked in the intensive care unit for many years, according to Stark.

“They really cared about their patients and just loved people. They worked very hard. They were great friends,” he said. “Seeing their faces every day is one of the reasons you come to work every day.”

Although Stark says he has heard details from other witnesses to the incident, he does not know what happened or why.

“If there was any wrongdoing, I just pray that justice is done,” Stark said.

No further details about the crash victims were released.

As 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reported, the person who drove into the outdoor patio area was arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide, according to police. Surveillance video showed the driver entering the parking lot, but not the restaurant. Officials say he then attempted to park before accelerating and entering the patio area.

The Minnesota State Patrol and several local agencies — including St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Wayzata and Hennepin County — worked throughout Sunday night and into Monday morning to determine exactly what happened. Law enforcement officials spoke with several witnesses who were in the store enjoying their Sunday evening at the time of the accident.

Further details are expected later this week as the investigation progresses.

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