Taylor Dean Death, Obituary – Tragedy struck the Owatonna community early Wednesday morning as 31-year-old Taylor Dean Padilla-Ades lost his life in a fatal hit-and-run incident near Camping World RV Sales on County Road 45 North. Authorities identified Padilla-Ades as the victim found deceased at the scene, and on Wednesday evening, law enforcement took 42-year-old Derek Paul Denelsbeck of Owatonna into custody as the primary suspect in connection with the tragic event.
According to the Owatonna Police Department, the incident occurred near the 3700 block of County Road 45 North, close to the Camping World facility. Witnesses and investigators reported seeing a red pickup truck with extensive front-end damage, which ultimately led police to Denelsbeck as a suspect. After locating and impounding the vehicle, officers arrested Denelsbeck on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide. He was subsequently transported to the Steele County Detention Center, where he awaits formal charges from the Steele County Attorney’s Office.
Taylor Dean Padilla-Ades was a 31-year-old from Lonsdale. While much of Padilla-Ades’ background remains private, he was remembered by those close to him as a kind and resilient individual. Police Chief Jeff Mundale noted that Padilla-Ades’ residence was unknown, and it is believed he may have been experiencing homelessness. Community members expressed sadness over his untimely death, emphasizing the importance of addressing pedestrian safety and awareness.
The Steele County Attorney’s Office is expected to formally charge Denelsbeck on Friday, bringing a critical next step in the legal process for justice in Padilla-Ades’ tragic death. This heartbreaking incident has raised awareness within Owatonna regarding road safety and the risks pedestrians face on major thoroughfares. The community continues to mourn the loss of Padilla-Ades while urging drivers to remain vigilant and cautious on the roads.
As the investigation unfolds, Owatonna residents are left grappling with the sudden loss of a community member, reflecting on the importance of compassion, awareness, and accountability on the road. Padilla-Ades’ friends, family, and the community remember him as a person deserving of kindness, care, and, ultimately, justice.
