Owner of Park Tavern reacts to tragic crash into patio Sunday that killed two, injured three

Celebration turned into tragedy Sunday night as a driver crashed into the outdoor patio at St. Louis Park's Park Tavern, killing two and injuring three.

One of the deceased was Kristina Folkerts, a mother of three and a Park Tavern employee the last couple of years.

Park Tavern's owner Phil Weber, joined WCCO's Adam and Jordana Tuesday morning to speak about what type of person Folkerts was.

"Her mother was a long, long time employee here and sadly, she passed away a number of years ago," explained Weber. "But Christina was in her mother's stomach while she was working here and then just as life would have it, she came to work for us a couple of years ago. And has been just a great employee."

He said Kristina always had a smile on her face and was a joy to be around. The other person killed was Gabe Harvey, a Methodist Hospital employee who was there to celebrate a colleague.

A Go Fund Me has been set up for Kristina's children and another fundraiser has been set up for Harvey.

Charges against the 56-year old driver must be filed by noon Wednesday. Reports indicate he has a history of drunken driving with two DWI's, however there's been no indication from law enforcement of impairment yet, or charges filed.

Weber says he doesn't know if this was an accident or a malicious intent to harm.

"The person pulled into our parking lot, attempted to park his car and I believe he clipped a car that was next to him," says Weber. "And he was trying to park it and then he just turned and hit it, straight towards the patio and just accelerated. Nobody has any idea why this happened."

Weber says his business will remain closed until Wednesday and that they plan to tear down the patio.