Fatal Crash in Apple Valley Claims One Life, Driver Who Died Identified
UPDATE - October 21st at 12:45 PM: The family of Joe Sebastian Ayala, the passenger in the silver vehicle, has informed us that their son tragically passed away following the serious two-vehicle crash that occurred at the intersection of Pilot Knob Road and Dorchester Trail on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Joe Sebastian Ayala, a 22-year-old Apple Valley resident, succumbed to his injuries after being hospitalized with life-threatening conditions sustained in the accident. You can read our latest update and find a link to the family’s GoFundMe for Joe here: Passenger in Apple Valley Crash Passes Away, Family Mourns Loss of 22-Year-Old Joe Sebastian Ayala.
UPDATE - October 21st at 11:50 AM: The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has confirmed the driver who passed away in the crash this past Thursday, October 17th, in Apple Valley, Minnesota, was 72-year-old Alimdjon Pirnazarovich Tashniyazov of Apple Valley, Minnesota. The cause of his death was ruled an accident from multiple blunt force injuries. The preliminary cause of the crash was reported by law enforcement as a failure to yield to northbound traffic on Pilot Knob Road as they were entering the intersection. Mr. Tashniyazov’s vehicle was the silver four-door sedan.
We have not been able to confirm these reports officially from law enforcement, but it was reported by relatives and witnesses on the scene that Mr. Tashniyazov might have been a ride-share driver. Over the weekend, we spoke with relatives of Joe Ayala, who was the passenger in Mr. Tashniyazov’s car when the crash occurred. They report that he remained in serious condition and was fighting for his life. As of noon on Monday, October 21, 2024, we have learned that Joe Ayala has unfortunately passed away. More information can be found here: Passenger in Apple Valley Crash Passes Away, Family Mourns Loss of 22-Year-Old Joe Sebastian Ayala.
As previously reported, the Minnesota State Patrol assisted the Apple Valley Police Department in their investigation. We have contacted the Apple Valley Police Department for an update on this incident and the investigation and will provide an update as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL STORY: APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA—According to the Apple Valley Police Department, a tragic traffic accident occurred on the afternoon of October 17, 2024, at the intersection of Pilot Knob Road and Dorchester Trail, resulting in one fatality and another individual sustaining life-threatening injuries.
According to the Apple Valley Police, at approximately 3:47 PM, multiple 911 calls came into dispatch reporting a serious two-vehicle crash at the busy intersection. First responders from the Apple Valley Police and Fire Departments and Allina EMS quickly arrived at the scene. They found two heavily damaged vehicles and two severely injured individuals. Despite the best efforts of emergency personnel, one of the occupants was pronounced dead at the scene. The other injured individual was transported to a local hospital and is currently receiving treatment for life-threatening injuries.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver who died failed to yield to northbound traffic while attempting to enter Pilot Knob Road. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with the Apple Valley Police Department receiving assistance from the Minnesota State Patrol.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office once next-of-kin notifications have been made.
This is an ongoing investigation, and more details will be released as they become available.
Written by: Will Wight
