Update: The other victim killed has been identified as Gabe Harvey, a Methodist Hospital employee.
Methodist nurses Laura Knutsen, Tegan D’Albani, and Theo Larson were all severely injured but survived. Thoughts and prayers with all families involved.
St. Louis Park, MN – A tragic accident at the Park Tavern in St. Louis Park has left the community in mourning after a beloved mother of three, Kristina Folkerts, was killed on Sunday night when a motorist drove through the restaurant’s outdoor patio. The incident, which also left another person dead and three others injured, has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
The tragic event unfolded around 8 p.m. when a 56-year-old man, driving a midsize SUV, entered the parking lot of the popular restaurant. According to police reports, the driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting to park, leading to the SUV crashing through the outdoor seating area. Folkerts, who was among those seated on the patio, was struck and fatally injured. She was pronounced dead at the scene, along with another individual whose identity has not yet been released. The three other victims, all of whom were reportedly staff members from the nearby Methodist Hospital’s ICU department, sustained injuries of varying severity and were rushed to local hospitals for treatment.
Kristina Folkerts was identified by the Park Tavern on Monday morning. The restaurant, a well-known fixture in the area, has since closed its doors indefinitely as it grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event. In a heartfelt statement, the Park Tavern expressed its deep sorrow over the loss of Folkerts, describing her as a “wonderful mother and friend” and offering support to her three young daughters who are now left without their mother.
“Thank you all for reaching out and wanting to show your support. We’re heartbroken over the loss of Kristina, a wonderful mother and friend, and we’re rallying to support her three young girls during this unimaginable time,” the statement read.
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support Folkerts’ family. The page, which has already garnered significant attention and donations, underscores the impact Kristina had on those around her. “Kristina was a loving mother of 3 young girls and a friend to many in the community. We are at a deep loss and thank you for your support during this challenging time,” the GoFundMe page reads. The community’s outpouring of support is a testament to the deep connections Folkerts had fostered during her life.
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Folkerts had a long history with the Park Tavern, a place that held special significance for her. In a 2023 feature by FOX9, Kristina shared her connection to the restaurant, revealing that she had started working there after losing her mother to ovarian cancer in 2008. Her mother had also been a server at Park Tavern, and Folkerts honored her memory by carrying a photo of her mother with her while she worked. This deep bond with the restaurant and its patrons only adds to the poignancy of her untimely death.
The driver of the SUV was arrested at the scene and taken into custody at the Hennepin County Jail. He is currently facing charges of probable cause vehicular homicide. While the full circumstances surrounding the accident are still under investigation, it has been revealed that the driver has two prior convictions for driving while intoxicated (DWI). However, it remains unclear whether alcohol played a role in this particular incident.
As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the senseless loss of a cherished mother, friend, and colleague. The Park Tavern, known for its welcoming atmosphere and community spirit, now faces the challenge of moving forward while honoring the memory of Kristina Folkerts and the others affected by this tragic event.
In a time of profound grief, the outpouring of support for Kristina’s family serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the St. Louis Park community. As they come together to support her young daughters and remember the life of a woman who touched so many, the impact of this tragedy will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.