Kristina Folkerts Among Victims in St. Louis Park Patio Crash; Driver Arrested for Homicide

On the evening of September 1, 2024, tragedy struck at Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, when a vehicle drove into the outside patio area, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to three others. Authorities quickly responded to the scene at 3401 Louisiana Ave. S., with St. Louis Park police and fire personnel leading the emergency efforts.

One of the victims who lost her life in the incident has been identified as Kristina Folkerts. Kristina had deep ties to Park Tavern; her mother, Laura Lee, worked there from the late 1980s until her passing in 2008. Kristina continued her mother’s legacy by also serving at Park Tavern, making her loss deeply felt by the community.

Surveillance footage captured the moments leading up to the tragic event, showing the male driver entering the Park Tavern parking lot. He initially attempted to park but instead drove into the crowded patio. The driver, identified as 56-year-old Steven Frane Bailey, is currently under arrest on charges of criminal vehicular homicide. Records indicate that Bailey has a history of driving while intoxicated, raising concerns about the circumstances of the crash.

The Minnesota State Patrol is conducting an accident reconstruction to determine the specifics of how the crash occurred. Additional law enforcement agencies, including the Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Wayzata police departments, as well as the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, are assisting in the investigation. The scene remains active, and authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact St. Louis Park Police at 952.924.2618.

As the investigation continues, the St. Louis Park Police Department has emphasized that this is an active and ongoing case. Further details will be released as more information becomes available. The community is left mourning the sudden loss of Kristina Folkerts and the unnamed second victim, while hoping for the recovery of those injured.

This devastating event serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers of vehicular negligence and the lasting impact such tragedies can have on families and communities. Updates on the investigation will be provided as they unfold, as authorities work to bring clarity and justice to those affected by this heartbreaking incident.