Park Tavern deadly crash: Memorial created for victims; restaurant closed

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. (FOX 9) – Park Tavern in St. Louis Park is closed until further notice after a deadly crash on its patio Sunday night left two people dead and three others injured.

What we know

A driver slammed into the Park Tavern patio in St. Louis Park just after 8 p.m. on Sunday, leaving two people dead and three others injured.  

Police say the driver entered the parking lot and attempted to park the car before driving into the patio area. The man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide. 

The Minnesota State Patrol was on the scene investigating as the mangled furniture could be seen in the grass on Monday morning. A makeshift memorial with flowers and shirts draped over chairs was set up outside the restaurant as community members came to pay their respects.

The Park Tavern announced on social media it’s closing until further notice as it helps support and care for its staff and community. 

“Following the tragic incident on our patio Sunday night, Park Tavern will be closed until further notice as we support and care for our staff and neighbors. Thank you for your understanding and kindness during this incredibly difficult time.”

The victims

While law enforcement has not released details about the victims, Methodist Hospital and one of its doctors have said a staff member was killed in the crash. 

Doctor Thomas Stark told FOX 9 they were out celebrating a co-worker’s last shift when the incident happened. Stark added that one of his co-workers was killed in the crash, and three other co-workers who were injured will have a long recovery.

“They’re just amazing people… they’re really dedicated to their patients and just loved people,” he said.

FOX 9 has also learned that Kristina Folkerts, a Park Tavern server, was the other person killed. An online fundraiser has been created by the Park Tavern to help support Folkerts’ family after the deadly crash. The fundraiser has already raised $68,000.

What are they saying?

Methodist Hospital released the following statement about the crash: 

“Following the tragic incident at Park Tavern, we’re grieving the loss of a loved and respected colleague and friend to many here at Methodist Hospital and HealthPartners. Our thoughts are with our colleague’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for the family, we’re not sharing any additional information at this time.

“Four Methodist Hospital nurses were also among those injured Sunday evening. Our focus in the days ahead will be in supporting our colleagues and the loved ones of those affected by this tragedy. The close relationships our colleagues have with each other is part of what makes Methodist a special place.

“Park Tavern has been a tremendous partner to our hospital for many years and our thoughts are with them as well.”

St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed also shared a statement:

“My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. We can only imagine what the families and Park Tavern are going through, but I know the people of SLP stand with them during this difficult time. May they find strength and comfort in the coming days.

“Thank you to our FD and PD responders and thank you to many neighboring communities who either responded directly or covered other 911 calls in SLP while we were responding.”

What we don’t know

At this point, it’s unclear why the driver drove into the patio area and whether the crash was an accident. 

Law enforcement has not released the identities of the two people killed, and the conditions of the three others are currently unknown.