In the quiet, close-knit town of Gilbert, Minnesota, a wave of sorrow has swept through the community following the tragic death of Tia Muller, a 26-year-old Chisholm resident and cherished member of the Cherry Fire Department. The vibrant young woman, known for her unwavering dedication to serving others, lost her life in a devastating ATV accident at the Gilbert Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Park on the morning of August 17, 2025. As the community grapples with this profound loss, they rally to honor her memory and support her grieving family, including her husband, Johnathan Muller, who remains hospitalized after the crash.
The accident unfolded in the rugged terrain of the Gilbert OHV Park, a popular northern Minnesota destination for off-road enthusiasts. Emergency responders, including the Gilbert Police Department, Gilbert Fire Department, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia Fire and Ambulance, rushed to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. Despite their valiant efforts, Tia, who was a passenger on the ATV, was found pinned beneath the vehicle. She was airlifted to Essentia Health–St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth with severe injuries, but tragically, she could not be saved. Johnathan Muller, 25, also of Chisholm, who was operating the ATV, sustained serious injuries and remains under medical care at the same hospital. His condition, as of the latest updates, has not been publicly disclosed.
Tia Muller was more than a firefighter; she was a beacon of compassion and courage in her community. Her colleagues at the Cherry Fire Department described her as a dedicated first responder, always ready to answer the call to help others, no matter the hour or the challenge. “Losing one of our own in such a sudden and tragic way is devastating,” a fellow firefighter shared in an emotional online tribute. “Tia had a heart for service and was deeply respected in our department.” Her selflessness and infectious spirit left an indelible mark on those who knew her, from fellow firefighters to neighbors and friends in Chisholm and Cherry.
The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation by the Gilbert Police Department, with assistance from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, as the incident occurred on state-managed recreational land. Authorities have not yet released details about what caused the ATV to overturn, leaving the community anxiously awaiting answers. The Gilbert Police Department issued a heartfelt statement: “On behalf of all responding agencies, our thoughts are with the Muller family, the Cherry Fire Department, and all who are grieving this loss.”
This tragedy has cast a spotlight on the inherent risks of ATV riding, even in designated areas like the Gilbert OHV Park. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has long emphasized the importance of safety measures, such as wearing helmets, managing speed, and adhering to proper handling practices. ATV-related accidents are a recurring concern in northern Minnesota, where trail riding is a beloved pastime. Tia’s death serves as a somber reminder of the need for vigilance and caution, even for experienced riders.
As the investigation continues, the Chisholm and Cherry communities have come together to mourn and celebrate Tia’s life. Social media has been flooded with tributes, with friends and community members sharing memories of her warmth, bravery, and commitment to others. “Tia was the kind of person who made everyone feel seen and valued,” one post read. “Her smile could light up a room, and her courage inspired us all.” The Cherry Fire Department is planning a memorial to honor her legacy, with funeral arrangements expected to be announced in the coming days.
For now, the focus remains on supporting Johnathan Muller as he fights to recover and on comforting the Muller family in their time of unimaginable grief. Tia’s legacy as a dedicated firefighter and a beloved member of her community will live on, etched in the hearts of those she touched. In the words of a community member, “Tia gave so much to us all—her service, her kindness, her spirit. We’ll carry her with us always.”