Kidus Dereje Zewde Death Investigation-The family of Fiqremariam “Kidus” Dereje Zewde is seeking answers after the 23-year-old University of Minnesota student was found dead in Rosemount, Minnesota, in September 2026. His death has prompted questions from relatives and members of the Ethiopian community as they call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
According to information shared by the family and reported by local media, Kidus left home on September 23 to play indoor soccer but never returned. He was later found dead near his home, leaving his relatives struggling to understand what happened during the hours between his departure and the discovery of his body.
Authorities have confirmed that the case remains under investigation. The precise circumstances of his death and the final medical findings have not been publicly established in the reports reviewed for this article.
What Happened to Kidus in Rosemount, Minnesota?
Family members said Kidus left home at approximately 3 p.m. on September 23, 2026, intending to play indoor soccer. When he did not return after several hours, his family became concerned.
A report published by Power 104.7 FM said relatives were informed of his death after Rosemount police arrived at the family’s home during the early hours of the following morning.
The family said Kidus was found near the Meta data center in Rosemount, in a wooded area not far from their home. The circumstances surrounding the discovery raised questions about how he died and what happened before emergency responders arrived.
The publicly reported timeline establishes that Kidus left for a routine activity and was subsequently found dead. It does not, by itself, establish the complete sequence of events or identify anyone responsible.
Questions Surrounding the Circumstances of His Death
One of the central concerns raised by the family involves a reported wound to Kidus’s head.
According to his aunt, Hawi Awash, the family was told that the injury appeared consistent with a gunshot wound. She also said a firearm was reportedly found near him. These details were presented in media coverage through the family’s account and should not be confused with a complete, publicly released forensic finding.
The family has questioned the possibility that the injury was self-inflicted. Relatives told reporters that Kidus did not own a gun and expressed concern about the circumstances in which the firearm was reportedly found.
Those statements reflect the family’s concerns. They do not independently establish whether the shooting was accidental, self-inflicted, or caused by another person. Determining the manner and circumstances of death requires evidence from the investigation and appropriate medical findings.
The available reporting does not provide a final determination on these questions. It is therefore important to avoid presenting any theory about what happened as a confirmed conclusion.
Police Investigation Remains Central to the Search for Answers
Rosemount police have indicated that the case is being actively investigated. In reporting published shortly after the discovery, a department spokesperson confirmed that investigators were working on the case but did not provide extensive details.
Kidus’s relatives have publicly called for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding his death. They have also raised questions about whether surveillance footage from the area could help establish what happened before he was found.
The family’s questions include the timeline of events, the circumstances surrounding the reported firearm, and whether available evidence can clarify how Kidus sustained the fatal injury.
At the time of the reports reviewed for this article, investigators had not publicly provided a complete account that resolved those questions. No definitive conclusion about the manner of death should be drawn from the family’s statements or the limited information released publicly.
Who Was Kidus Dereje Zewde?
Kidus was 23 and studying at the University of Minnesota. According to his family, he was pursuing construction management and expected to graduate the following year.
His relatives described him as a kind, humble young man who was close to his family and friends. He worked alongside his father and helped care for his younger siblings, according to the family’s public account.
He was also active in sports. His family said he played soccer and had recently started boxing. At the time of his death, he was preparing for an examination scheduled for the following day.
Those details paint a picture of a young man focused on education, family responsibilities, and his future. His death has left relatives grieving not only the loss of someone they loved but also the future they expected him to have.
Kidus Dereje Zewde: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Fiqremariam Kidus Dereje Zewde |
| Known as | Kidus |
| Age | 23 |
| Location | Rosemount, Minnesota |
| Date last reported leaving home | September 23, 2026 |
| Reported destination | An indoor soccer facility |
| Education | University of Minnesota |
| Field of study | Construction management, according to family reporting |
| Family’s concerns | Questions about the circumstances of his death |
| Investigation | Rosemount police reported an active investigation |
| Official cause and manner of death | Not established in the reports reviewed |
Family Appeals for Information and Support
As the family prepares to lay Kidus to rest, relatives have asked for support while continuing to seek answers about his death. A fundraising campaign organized by Hawi Awash on behalf of the family explains that donations are intended to help with funeral expenses and efforts to encourage a thorough investigation.
The appeal describes Kidus as a beloved son, brother, nephew, and friend. It also emphasizes the family’s desire to understand what happened rather than allow unanswered questions to remain.
For relatives facing a sudden and unexplained loss, the uncertainty can compound the grief. Their public appeal reflects a desire for clarity, accountability where warranted by the evidence, and a careful examination of the circumstances.
Anyone with relevant information should direct it to the investigating authorities rather than rely on online speculation. Verified updates from police or other appropriate officials will be important as the investigation progresses.
Remembering a Young Life Cut Short
Kidus’s death has left his family mourning a young man who, according to those closest to him, was working toward a future built around education, family, and personal ambition.
He was studying, preparing for exams, participating in sports, and helping his family. His relatives’ public statements reflect the depth of their loss and their determination to understand the circumstances surrounding his final hours.
For now, important questions remain unanswered in the publicly available reporting. Until authorities release additional findings, the most responsible account is one that recognizes the family’s grief while distinguishing their concerns from conclusions that have not yet been established.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available media reporting and information shared by Kidus Dereje Zewde’s family. Some details about the scene and reported injury are attributed to family members and have not been presented here as independently established forensic findings. The final cause and manner of death, as well as the complete circumstances surrounding the incident, should not be treated as confirmed unless supported by official findings. Information may change as authorities release further updates.