Family honors loved one at vigil, calls for more answers in death investigation

Family honors loved one at vigil, calls for more answers in death investigation Ben Henry KSTP Family honors loved one at vigil, calls for more answers in death investigation Family, loved ones, and community members, dozens strong, gathered to honor a young man they feel should still be with them while calling for more answers surrounding his death. A vigil was held along a dirt road in Rosemount, about a mile from Highway 52, where family says 23-year-old Kidus Dereje was found dead on Sept. 23.They say he was out playing soccer that night and don’t believe self-harm was involved. “Kidus has been an incredible human that has touched our lives and the lives of so many people that he may never be able to meet,” Hawi Awash, Kidus’ aunt, said. “You always be in our hearts. You always be in our minds, and we will not stop until we know what happened,” she added. Family says they want the community to remember Kidus for who he was and want a thorough investigation into his death. “Kidus is a nice kid. He never speak loud. He never do anything. God, he was a good kid. We trying to. We raised him in the church. He never did bad stuff,” Dereje Awash, Kidus’ father, said at the vigil. Not commenting on camera, the Rosemount Police Department said the death is an active investigation, also sharing the following: “The Rosemount Police Department extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Kidus Dereje. While we cannot comment on the details of an active investigation, at this time, there is no evidence that points to foul play or criminal activity associated with Kidus’ death. Our officers have spent many hours working on this case and have provided the family with regular updates.“We ask the public and media to continue extending empathy to the family and to honor the dignity of this young man’s memory. Our department remains dedicated to transparency, professionalism, and the safety of everyone in our community.”Kidus’ family says they’re waiting on the results of an independent autopsy, and the RPD says the initial autopsy is still pending.