Rosemount Police Say No Evidence of Foul Play in Death of 23-Year-Old University of Minnesota Student
Published: October 14, 2026.
ROSEMOUNT, MN: The Rosemount Police Department says investigators have found no evidence of foul play or criminal activity in connection with the death of 23-year-old University of Minnesota student Kidus Dereje, whose death last month prompted questions from his family and concern throughout the community.
In a statement released Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Rosemount Police confirmed that the investigation into the death of Fiqremariam Kidus Dereje Zewde, known as Kidus, remains active. While authorities have not released a cause or manner of death, police emphasized that the investigation has not uncovered evidence suggesting criminal involvement.
"At this time, there is no evidence indicating foul play or criminal activity associated with Kidus' death," the department stated.
The announcement comes approximately three weeks after Kidus' family reported that he left their Rosemount home on September 23, 2026, to play indoor soccer and never returned. According to information previously shared by the family through a GoFundMe fundraiser, Kidus was later found dead in a wooded area approximately seven minutes from the family's residence.
Police Address Investigation and Family's Concerns
In Wednesday's statement, the Rosemount Police Department acknowledged the grief experienced by Kidus' family and the questions surrounding his death. The department said officers and investigators have spent numerous hours on the case and met with family members multiple times to provide updates and address their concerns.
"Our department has been actively investigating this case, and our work remains ongoing," police stated. "Our officers and investigators have dedicated many hours to this investigation and have met with the family on multiple occasions to provide updates and discuss their concerns."
Police added that they understand the family's desire for answers and remain committed to a thorough, professional investigation. Although investigators have found no evidence of foul play or criminal activity, the department has not publicly disclosed specific findings regarding the circumstances of Kidus' death. Authorities explained that the decision to withhold additional information is based not only on the ongoing investigation but also on concerns for the family's privacy.
"While we cannot comment on specific investigative details due to the ongoing nature of this case, our decision not to release additional details is also rooted in our respect for the family and their privacy during this incredibly difficult time," the department stated.
Police said additional information will be available to the public through appropriate data request procedures once the investigation is complete.
Family Previously Sought Answers Following Death
As Limitless Media News previously reported on September 28, 2026, Kidus' family established a GoFundMe fundraiser following his death, describing their grief and asking for a thorough investigation into what happened. In the fundraiser, family members said Kidus left home on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, intending to play indoor soccer but never returned. The family reported that he was subsequently found deceased in a wooded area near their home.
At the time of Limitless Media News' original report, the Rosemount Police Department confirmed an active investigation involving a body discovered near the Meta Data Center. However, authorities had not yet publicly confirmed the identity of the individual or provided information about the cause or manner of death. The family's fundraiser expressed a desire to understand the circumstances surrounding Kidus' death.
"We are seeking answers," the family wrote. "We are asking the police to fully investigate what happened to Kidus."
Wednesday's statement provides additional information about the investigation, including confirmation that investigators have found no evidence of foul play or criminal activity. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and police have not announced a final determination regarding the cause or manner of death.
Remembering Kidus Dereje
Kidus was a 23-year-old University of Minnesota student who, according to his family, was working toward his education and planning for his future. Family members described him as a kind, humble, and caring young man who was deeply loved by those around him.
At the time of his death, Kidus had reportedly been studying for an exam scheduled for the following day. Outside of school, he worked alongside his father, helped care for his younger siblings and maintained close relationships with his friends. His family said he was someone others could consistently depend on.
Kidus would have celebrated his 24th birthday on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, just one day before Rosemount Police released their latest statement. Following his death, the family established a GoFundMe to seek community support as they prepared to lay him to rest and cope with their loss.
"Our family is heartbroken," the family wrote in the fundraiser. "As we prepare to lay Kidus to rest and continue searching for the truth, we are asking our community to support us and stand with our family during this incredibly painful time."
Police Urge Public to Avoid Speculation and Misinformation
In addition to addressing the investigation, Rosemount Police specifically cautioned against the spread of misinformation and unverified claims surrounding Kidus' death. The department acknowledged the emotions and concerns surrounding the case but emphasized that speculation can seriously affect grieving families and the investigation.
"However, the spread of misinformation can cause additional pain for grieving family members, undermine the investigative process, and create unnecessary concern within our community," police stated.
The department urged members of the public and news organizations to act responsibly when discussing the case and avoid presenting speculation as established fact. Police also reiterated their commitment to transparency and accountability while balancing the public's interest in the investigation with the family's privacy.
"The Rosemount Police Department remains committed to transparency, accountability, and professionalism," the department stated. "We will continue to investigate this case and provide additional information when appropriate and legally permissible."
The statement, issued by Investigations Sergeant and Public Information Officer Alex Eckstein, concluded with a request for the community to respect the family's privacy and allow the investigation to continue without the additional harm caused by misinformation.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
As of Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Rosemount Police Department has not announced the completion of its investigation or publicly released a cause or manner of death. The department's statement that investigators have found no evidence of foul play or criminal activity does not constitute a final determination of the cause of death.
Police said they would release more information after the investigation concludes, subject to applicable data disclosure procedures. Limitless Media News will continue monitoring official developments and provide updates as additional verified information becomes available.
Sources: Rosemount Police Department, Statement Regarding Death Investigation of Kidus Dereje, issued October 14, 2026, by Sergeant Alex Eckstein, Public Information Officer and Investigations Sergeant; previous reporting by Limitless Media News dated September 28, 2026; and statements published by the family of Kidus Dereje through a GoFundMe fundraiser.
Editor's Note: This article is a follow-up to Limitless Media News' September 28 report regarding the death of Kidus Dereje. The Rosemount Police Department has since confirmed that investigators have found no evidence of foul play or criminal activity. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not publicly released a cause or manner of death.
Written By: Will Wight
Photos Provided by the GoFundMe.
