Steven Frane Bailey dies in fatal St. Louis Park crash
Steven Frane Bailey dies in fatal St. Louis Park crash
Fatal St. Louis Park crash death of Steven Frane Bailey – Obituary
Criminal charges filed on Tuesday reveal that Steven Frane Bailey, 56, of St. Louis Park, was heavily intoxicated when his vehicle crashed into the Park Tavern patio over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to nine others.
Bailey faces two counts of criminal vehicular homicide and nine counts of criminal vehicular operation related to the incident, which occurred around 8 p.m. Sunday. The victims were identified as Kristina Folkerts, 34, a Park Tavern employee, and Gabe Harvey, a health unit coordinator and nursing student, who was at the tavern celebrating with colleagues.
Bailey is currently being held on a $1 million bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. As of now, no attorney is listed in court records for him.
According to the charges, Bailey’s blood alcohol content was measured at 0.325%, significantly over Minnesota’s legal driving limit. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty commented, “Bailey’s choice to drive while severely intoxicated led to this preventable tragedy, causing the loss of two lives and injuring several others. We offer our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and the St. Louis Park community.”
Surveillance footage showed Bailey entering the Park Tavern parking lot and hitting a parked car before accelerating through a metal fence and crashing into the patio area. The vehicle stopped after hitting several boulders. Folkerts was trapped under the car and died at the scene despite emergency efforts. Harvey was pronounced dead at HCMC.
Witnesses reported Bailey making statements about his actions on the phone, acknowledging his mistake and the likelihood of facing jail time.
HealthPartners, which operates Methodist Hospital, confirmed that four nurses were injured. Online fundraising campaigns have identified several of the injured patrons. Laura Knutsen is being treated for severe injuries at HCMC, while Tegan D’Albani is in serious condition. Theo Larson, a long-time employee at Methodist Hospital, was admitted with multiple severe fractures and is currently in fair condition at North Memorial Health Hospital.
Bailey’s criminal record includes two prior drunken-driving convictions, with his most recent offenses resulting in a gross misdemeanor conviction and previous penalties.
Park Tavern has been closed since the accident but plans to reopen soon. A memorial and fundraiser are planned to honor the victims, and a tree will be planted in their memory.
The St. Louis Park Police Department believes there may be additional victims. Anyone who was injured or has information about the incident is encouraged to contact the department or submit any related video or photos online.
Steven Frane Bailey dies in fatal St. Louis Park crash Fatal St. Louis Park crash death of Steven Frane Bailey – Obituary Criminal charges filed on Tuesday reveal that Steven Frane Bailey, 56, of St. Louis Park, was heavily intoxicated when his vehicle crashed into the Park Tavern patio over the weekend, resulting in the…
Steven Frane Bailey dies in fatal St. Louis Park crash Fatal St. Louis Park crash death of Steven Frane Bailey – Obituary Criminal charges filed on Tuesday reveal that Steven Frane Bailey, 56, of St. Louis Park, was heavily intoxicated when his vehicle crashed into the Park Tavern patio over the weekend, resulting in the…