Off-Duty Firefighter Dies After ATV Crash at Iron Range Park

Aug 18

*Tia Muller,* ***via Cherry Fire Department***

A 26-year-old off-duty firefighter from Chisholm died after an ATV crash at the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area, according to police.

Family members have identified the woman as Tia Muller. She was a passenger in the ATV and was found pinned under the vehicle around 10:20 a.m. Saturday.

Investigators believe the crash occurred Friday evening and went undiscovered overnight until other ATV riders came upon the scene Saturday morning.

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Emergency crews responded to the scene and found Muller trapped beneath the vehicle. The driver of the ATV, 25-year-old Johnathan Muller, was seriously hurt and airlifted by a medical helicopter to Essentia Health in Duluth, a Gilbert PD spokesperson said.

The Gilbert Police Department said the names of those involved were initially withheld until family notifications could be made. On Sunday morning, the Cherry Fire Department in St. Louis County posted a tribute on Facebook, writing, “At this time we don't have the words to say other than thank you and rest in peace. Tia, (Tinker Bell) you will be truly missed. Our hearts as a department are hurting.”

Multiple agencies assisted in the response, including the Gilbert Fire Department, Gilbert First Responders, Virginia Ambulance Fire and Rescue, the Minnesota DNR Enforcement and Trail Divisions, the Saint Louis County Rescue Squad, the Saint Louis County Sheriff’s Department and the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. Officials also thanked the BSF Recovery Team and other Jeepers who helped with equipment during the recovery effort.

Investigation of the incident remains ongoing.

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