A 26-year-old firefighter from Chisholm lost her life last week when an all-terrain vehicle accident left her trapped underneath the machine on a trail in Gilbert, Minnesota.
According to a Northern News Now report, Tia Muller served with the Cherry Fire Department and was involved in the crash that authorities believe occurred overnight on Thursday. Her body was not discovered until shortly after 10 a.m. on Friday along the OHV Trail, prompting a response from local emergency services.
Multiple communities in the Iron Range area have expressed deep sorrow over the incident, highlighting Muller's role as a dedicated first responder. The event has drawn attention to the risks associated with off-highway vehicle use in rugged terrains like those found in northern Minnesota.
Communities Rally in Grief
Tia Muller, known affectionately by some as Tinker Bell, had been part of the Cherry Fire Department, where her contributions were valued by colleagues and residents alike. The department publicly shared their heartbreak, emphasizing the emotional toll her passing has taken on the team.
Authorities detailed that Muller was pinned under the ATV, which led to her fatal injuries during the mishap on the trail. Investigators noted the timeline suggests the accident unfolded in the dark hours, complicating immediate detection and rescue efforts.
Johnathan Muller, Tia's 25-year-old husband, was operating the vehicle at the time and sustained serious injuries that required urgent medical attention. He was transported via airlift to a hospital in Duluth for treatment, underscoring the severity of the crash's impact on both individuals.
Department Honors Fallen Member
The Cherry Fire Department posted a message on Facebook on Sunday, conveying their struggle to find adequate words in the wake of the tragedy. In the statement, they extended thanks and a farewell, acknowledging the profound absence Muller leaves behind.
Muller's death has resonated across Iron Range towns, where first responders like her are integral to community safety in remote areas. Local officials have not released further details on contributing factors, such as trail conditions or vehicle speed, as the investigation continues.
The OHV Trail in Gilbert, a popular spot for recreational riding, became the site of this sorrowful event, raising questions about safety protocols for such activities. Authorities are treating this as an ongoing case, with potential updates expected as more information emerges.
Crash Details Emerge Slowly
Emergency responders arrived at the scene Friday morning after the ATV was found overturned, with Tia Muller trapped beneath it. The delay in discovery from the likely Thursday night timing added to the challenges faced by those attempting to provide aid.
Johnathan Muller's condition remains a focus, as his airlift to Duluth indicates the extent of his injuries from the same incident. Medical teams there are handling his care, though specifics on his recovery have not been disclosed publicly.
This accident marks a developing story in the region, with communities monitoring for any new revelations from officials. The Iron Range's tight-knit nature amplifies the collective mourning, as residents reflect on the loss of a young woman committed to public service.
Mourning Continues Amid Investigation
Tia Muller, a 26-year-old resident of Chisholm and member of the Cherry Fire Department, died after an ATV crash that pinned her under the vehicle on the OHV Trail in Gilbert. The incident, believed to have happened overnight on Thursday, stemmed from circumstances that left her undiscovered until Friday morning, highlighting potential hazards of nighttime trail use in Minnesota's Iron Range.
Authorities have indicated that Johnathan Muller, her husband, who was driving, suffered serious injuries requiring airlift to a Duluth hospital, though the exact cause of the crash—such as mechanical failure or environmental factors—remains under review. The Cherry Fire Department's public statement on Facebook underscores the emotional why behind the widespread grief, as they noted the department's hearts are hurting from losing a valued colleague known as Tinker Bell.
As a developing story, officials plan to provide updates on the investigation, which could address safety improvements for OHV trails and impact future recreational guidelines in the area. Communities across the Iron Range continue to honor Muller's memory, with potential memorials or support efforts for her family anticipated in the coming days.
