A married couple from Hibbing were killed in a car accident in Sauk Rapids, and the St. Cloud driver who crashed into them was arrested on charges of criminal vehicular operation.
The accident happened at 11:07 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8.
Kevin Davey, 51, and Kathy Davey, 45, were headed north on North Benton Drive. Tom Souvannaphong, 22, was westbound on 2nd Street N. when he ran a red light and broadsided the Davey vehicle. The Daveys, both in the front seat, died at the scene. A passenger in the back seat, Krista Miller, 25, suffered injuries that were not life-threatening and was treated at the St. Cloud Hospital. She is listed in good condition. Miller is the daughter of accident victim Kathy Davey. The Daveys had come to Sauk Rapids from Hibbing to watch Kathy Davey’s son race at Granite City Speedway, according to the Hibbing Daily Tribune. The races at Hibbing Raceway were cancelled for that night so the Daveys decided to come to the races at Sauk Rapids. They were on their way home at the time of the crash.
Souvannaphong was also treated at the hospital, then arrested and booked into the Benton County Jail. Alcohol was a factor in the crash.
According to the complaint report, three witnesses said Souvannaphong was driving at a very high rate of speed on 2nd Avenue N. just before the collision. He faces nine charges: four counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of criminal vehicular operation, two counts of impaired driving and one count for not having a driver’s license.
Souvannaphong was convicted last year of driving under the influence of alcohol.
He remains in jail under a $400,000 bond.
The Daveys were known as long-time racing fans. After news of their deaths stunned Hibbing, Hibbing Raceway posted this comment online: “We have lost two great people who were loved by many and have done a lot for the racing community. They may be gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace Kevin and Kathy. You were taken far too early.”
Tara Wiese, an employee of the Newsleader and a Sauk Rapids resident was on Benton Drive minutes after the tragic collision and captured this image. Wiese said the scene was heavy with silence.
Kevin, 51, and Kathy Davey, 45, of Hibbing, were known as long-time racing fans. While they were killed in the crash, Kathy’s daughter, Krista Miller, 25, survived and is in good condition.
