On the evening of Sunday, September 1, 2024, a horrifying and tragic event unfolded in St. Louis Park, Missouri, leaving the community in shock and mourning the loss of two beloved individuals. What began as a typical night of dining and camaraderie at the popular Park Tavern turned into a scene of devastation when a driver accelerated his vehicle into the restaurant’s outdoor patio, killing two people and injuring several others. The victims, identified as Kristina Folkerts, a mother of three and a server at the restaurant, and Gabe Harvey, an ICU nurse at a nearby hospital, were both fatally struck in what witnesses described as a surreal and nightmarish incident.
The crash occurred around 8 PM, a time when the Park Tavern’s outdoor seating area was filled with patrons enjoying the warm late-summer evening. Park Tavern, a well-known establishment in St. Louis Park, has long been a gathering place for locals, hosting events ranging from baby showers and class reunions to wedding receptions. On this particular night, the patio was bustling with activity, and the mood was festive as families, friends, and coworkers gathered for dinner and drinks.
Kristina Folkerts, 30, was one of the servers attending to the guests that night. A dedicated worker and loving mother, Kristina had followed in her mother’s footsteps by taking up a job at Park Tavern, where she had become a well-liked and respected member of the staff. Kristina was known for her warm smile, tireless work ethic, and deep love for her three young children, who were the center of her world. Recently, Kristina had also begun a new romantic relationship with a coworker, bringing a renewed sense of joy into her life.
Meanwhile, Gabe Harvey, an ICU nurse at the nearby Methodist Hospital, was at the restaurant celebrating with colleagues. The group had gathered to bid farewell to a coworker who was leaving the nursing profession to pursue further education in CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) school. Gabe, known for his compassionate care and dedication to his patients, was a key figure in the hospital’s ICU, where he had worked tirelessly through countless medical emergencies and crises. His colleagues admired him not only for his professional skills but also for his kind-hearted nature and unwavering support.
The evening took a sudden and catastrophic turn when a vehicle driven by 56-year-old Steven Frane Bailey careened into the restaurant’s patio. According to surveillance footage and witness accounts, Bailey was seen entering the Park Tavern parking lot, where he initially appeared to be attempting to park his car. However, instead of coming to a stop, Bailey’s vehicle suddenly accelerated, barreling directly into the crowded patio area where Kristina, Gabe, and numerous others were gathered.
The impact was immediate and devastating. Kristina Folkerts, who had been serving at a table near the path of the vehicle, was struck and pinned beneath the car. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with screams filling the air as patrons tried to comprehend what had just happened. The vehicle, after crashing through tables and chairs, came to a stop on a small hill adorned with flowers near the edge of the patio. It took the combined efforts of nearly ten police officers, who arrived within minutes of the crash, to lift the car off Kristina’s body. Tragically, despite their swift response, it was too late to save her life.
Gabe Harvey, who had been sitting with his colleagues at another table, was also struck by the vehicle. His injuries were severe, and despite the best efforts of bystanders and emergency responders, he succumbed to his wounds before he could be transported to the hospital where he had dedicated so much of his life to saving others. The loss of Gabe, a caregiver by profession and by nature, was a cruel irony that has left his friends, family, and colleagues devastated.
As the shock of the incident set in, patrons and staff quickly turned their attention to the driver of the vehicle, Steven Bailey, who remained inside his car following the crash. Terry Freeman, the general manager of Park Tavern and the brother-in-law of the restaurant’s owner, described the scene as something out of a movie, with the car “going around another vehicle before it just barreled right through.” Freeman, along with other bystanders, ensured that Bailey remained inside his vehicle until police arrived on the scene approximately two minutes later.
Bailey was taken into custody by the St. Louis Park Police Department and booked into the Hennepin County Jail shortly after midnight on Monday, September 2, 2024. He is being held on suspicion of two counts of criminal vehicular homicide, with charges expected to be formally filed in the coming days. As of now, Bailey remains in custody without bail as investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident.
The immediate aftermath of the crash was marked by a mix of grief, anger, and disbelief among those who were present at the Park Tavern and the wider St. Louis Park community. Kristina Folkerts and Gabe Harvey were both well-known and beloved members of the community, and their sudden and tragic deaths have left a void that will not soon be filled. For Kristina’s children, the loss of their mother is an unfathomable tragedy, one that will have lasting repercussions on their young lives. For Gabe’s colleagues and patients, the loss of such a dedicated and caring nurse is a profound blow to the healthcare community.
In the days following the crash, an outpouring of support has emerged for the families of Kristina and Gabe. Online fundraisers have been set up to assist with funeral expenses and to provide financial support to Kristina’s three young children. The community has rallied around the families, offering condolences, prayers, and financial contributions in an effort to help them through this incredibly difficult time.
As the investigation continues, the focus has also turned to the question of how such a tragic event could have occurred and whether it could have been prevented. Authorities are examining the surveillance footage from the restaurant and surrounding area, as well as conducting interviews with witnesses and reviewing Bailey’s history. While the investigation is still in its early stages, preliminary reports suggest that Bailey may have been impaired at the time of the crash, although toxicology results are still pending.
The possibility that drugs or alcohol may have played a role in the crash has only added to the community’s outrage and sorrow. St. Louis Park, like many communities across the country, has been grappling with issues related to impaired driving, and this incident has brought those concerns to the forefront. Local officials have vowed to take action to prevent similar tragedies in the future, with discussions already underway about potential measures to improve safety in public spaces and to address the root causes of impaired driving.
The crash has also prompted renewed scrutiny of the Park Tavern itself, particularly with regard to the safety of its outdoor seating area. The restaurant’s patio, a popular spot for diners during the warmer months, was not equipped with any barriers or protective measures that could have prevented or mitigated the impact of the vehicle. In the wake of the crash, there have been calls for stricter regulations and safety standards for outdoor dining areas, including the installation of bollards or other physical barriers to protect patrons from potential vehicle incursions.
Terry Freeman, the general manager of Park Tavern, has expressed his deep sorrow and shock over the incident, stating that the safety of the restaurant’s patrons and staff has always been a top priority. “This is a tragedy beyond words,” Freeman said in a statement. “We are devastated by the loss of Kristina and Gabe, two wonderful individuals who were part of our Park Tavern family. Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and loved ones. We are committed to doing everything we can to support them during this difficult time and to ensure that something like this never happens again.”
In addition to the immediate grief and shock, the crash has sparked broader conversations about community safety, the responsibilities of drivers, and the impact of impaired driving. Many in the community have expressed frustration and anger over the senselessness of the incident, questioning how one person’s actions could lead to such devastating consequences. There is also a growing demand for accountability, both in terms of the criminal justice system’s response to Bailey’s actions and in the implementation of measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As St. Louis Park grapples with the aftermath of the crash, the community is also coming together to honor the lives of Kristina Folkerts and Gabe Harvey. Memorials and vigils are being planned, with residents and friends gathering to pay their respects and to celebrate the lives of the two individuals whose untimely deaths have left an indelible mark on the community. These events serve not only as a means of mourning but also as a testament to the strength and resilience of the St. Louis Park community in the face of tragedy.
The investigation into the crash is expected to continue for some time, with authorities leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to determine exactly what led to the tragic events of September 1. The outcome of the investigation will likely have significant implications, not only for the legal proceedings against Steven Bailey but also for future policies and practices related to public safety, impaired driving, and the regulation of outdoor dining spaces.
In the meantime, the community’s focus remains on supporting the families of Kristina and Gabe and on finding ways to move forward in the wake of such a senseless and heartbreaking event. The legacy of Kristina and Gabe will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them, and their memories will continue to inspire efforts to create a safer and more compassionate community for all.
As the sun sets on the Park Tavern patio, now marked by the tragic loss of two cherished lives, the community of St. Louis Park is left to reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of crisis. The events of September 1 serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, compassion, and collective action in the face of adversity. And as the investigation unfolds and the healing process begins, the hope is that out of this tragedy will come a renewed commitment to ensuring that such a senseless loss of life never happens again.
