GILBERT, Minn. — The Cherry Fire Department and the wider St. Louis County community are grieving the sudden and tragic loss of 26-year-old Tia Muller, a dedicated firefighter who was killed in an ATV accident in Gilbert over the weekend.
Authorities confirmed that the accident occurred late Saturday night. Muller, a passenger on the ATV, was found pinned beneath the vehicle the following day by other riders who had gone out searching. She was accompanied by the driver, 25-year-old Johnathan Muller of Chisholm, who was also injured in the crash.
The Accident and Response
Emergency crews responded after riders located the overturned ATV and its occupants. Tia Muller was quickly airlifted to Essentia Health in Duluth with critical injuries, but despite life-saving efforts, she did not survive. The driver sustained serious injuries but is expected to recover.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though authorities have not yet released details about what may have led to the tragic incident.
A Dedicated Firefighter Remembered
Muller was a beloved member of the Cherry Fire Department, where she served her community with courage and compassion. Her fellow firefighters took to Facebook to share photos and a heartfelt tribute following the devastating news:
“Words cannot express our grief for the loss of our sister, Tia. She was a dedicated firefighter, a kind-hearted friend, and a bright spirit in our department. We mourn with her family and hold them close in our thoughts and prayers.”
Outpouring of Grief
News of Muller’s death has shaken the Chisholm and Gilbert communities. Friends and loved ones remembered her not only for her commitment to public service but also for her warmth, kindness, and dedication to helping others.
Condolences have poured in on social media, with community members sharing memories and offering support to her family. Many described her as someone who “lit up every room” and who gave selflessly to those in need.
Community Support
In addition to her role with the fire department, Muller was deeply connected to her hometown of Chisholm, where she was known and loved by many. Neighbors and friends have begun organizing efforts to support her family during this difficult time, while firefighters across the region expressed solidarity and sorrow for the loss of one of their own.
Moving Forward
The Minnesota State Patrol and local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Officials have urged ATV riders to exercise caution, particularly during late-night rides in wooded and rural areas.
As the investigation continues, the Cherry Fire Department and Muller’s family are left to grieve the devastating loss of a young woman whose life was marked by service, compassion, and love for her community.
“She was more than a firefighter,” one family friend shared. “She was a daughter, a friend, and a role model who had so much ahead of her. Losing her is a heartbreak we can never fully heal.”