Steven Frane Bailey St. Louis Park Car Accident; Driver Identified after 2 Killed when Car Struck Twin Cities Bar Patio

The tragic incident at Park Tavern in St. Louis Park on Sunday night has left the community in shock, mourning the loss of lives and grappling with the injuries sustained by several individuals. Among those affected were multiple employees from Methodist Hospital, a close-knit group whose bonds extend beyond the professional realm.

This devastating event has not only impacted the victims and their families but also the broader community that frequented Park Tavern, a local establishment that has long been a cherished gathering spot.

On Sunday night, what began as a routine evening at Park Tavern quickly turned into a scene of horror. Steven Frane Bailey, 56, was arrested on probable cause for criminal vehicular homicide after he allegedly drove his vehicle into the outdoor patio area of the establishment.

The crash resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to four others. Bailey, now in custody at the Hennepin County Jail, has not yet been formally charged, but the incident has already caused irreparable damage.

According to surveillance footage, Bailey entered the parking lot and, instead of parking, accelerated into the patio where patrons were enjoying their evening. The Minnesota State Patrol, along with local law enforcement from several agencies, including St. Louis Park and Hennepin County, worked tirelessly through the night and into the next day to piece together the sequence of events.

Witnesses who were present at the time of the crash provided statements, but the exact reasons behind Bailey’s actions remain unclear. As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, providing clarity on the factors that led to this tragedy.

The impact of this incident has been deeply felt at Methodist Hospital, where several of the victims were employees. On Monday, Methodist Hospital confirmed that four of their nurses were among the injured, and one of the deceased was a beloved colleague. The hospital’s statement highlighted the profound sense of loss experienced by the staff, who regarded the victims as not just coworkers but close friends.

Dr. Thomas Stark, a physician at Methodist Hospital, spoke about the devastating loss, revealing that the group had gathered at Park Tavern to celebrate the career transition of a colleague named Laura, who had been working as a nurse in the ICU for seven years.

Laura, who was set to begin a new chapter in her life by attending CRNA school, is now hospitalized with severe injuries. The celebration, meant to be a joyful farewell, turned into a nightmare that claimed the lives of two others, both of whom were also integral members of the ICU team.