PHOTO BY PHOTO, I scrolled, stopping halfway through the collection of 265 images. I’d seen plenty, enough to understand that Adin Nathaniel Castle, 19, of Faribault was much loved.
Today Adin’s family and friends will memorialize him, then bury him at Maple Lawn Cemetery. He died on May 24 from injuries sustained in a head-on collision on Minnesota State Highway 3 in Castle Rock Township. The other vehicle reportedly crossed the center line, hitting the car driven by Adin’s girlfriend, Arianna Hess, 18, according to the state accident report. Adin died at the scene. The crash remains under investigation. The couple was on their way out of town on a date.
I didn’t know Adin in life. But I certainly feel like I know him in death based on his online obituary and the accompanying photos and guestbook comments.
Oh, those photos. Frame after frame I see Adin grow from newborn to child to teen, surrounded always by family and friends. At the apple orchard. Fishing. Celebrating birthdays. On the playground. In a canoe. Getting his hair cut. Playing ball. In a Halloween costume. Working on cars. A baby become boy become man. Smiling. Happy. Embraced by so much love.
KIND WORDS
“You raised a good son,” Kathy writes in an online guestbook. Adin is survived by his parents, two siblings and other family.
By all accounts, Adin was a light in the life of many, including customers at Glenn’s Service, an auto repair and tire shop, towing service and gas station in Faribault. He worked there the past three years as an attendant.
Imagine being so appreciated and so valued that you are remembered as bright, smart, polite, respectful, hardworking, helpful, smiling, funny, chatty, caring, humble and positive. Those attributes, among others, are tagged to Adin. To be remembered in such a way speaks to his character.
“A bright spot at the (gas) pump,” notes Kathy.
SO LUCKY…
Adin loved working on vehicles, especially Ford vehicles, his obit reads. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, drawing, star gazing and date nights with his true love, Arianna. She writes: “Adin was always a great man who took pride in his community and his family and I was so lucky to get to love him. I’ll miss you, my love.”
“…so lucky to get to love him.” I love those words typed by Arianna. She shows incredible strength in personal grief, a deep understanding of what it meant to love Adin.
PASSIONATE ABOUT VEHICLES
He was passionate about cars and trucks. His family is taking that love and running with it, inviting mourners to drive their classic cars, trucks or favorite rides in the procession to the cemetery. I expect Adin would have liked that.
The community has rallied in the face of this unspeakable tragedy with kind and loving words and via contributions to a GoFundMe account to help cover funeral and medical expenses. Donors have gifted $11,767 toward a $13,000 goal.
Adin lived only a short while on this earth. But the positive impact he made on others is evident. That much I understand about the young man I never knew, but now know.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Here’s to Adin and sending prayers and love and support 🙂 I will tell my baby truck on the way home we are riding for Adin (my truck is 22 years old). Right there with him in loving the oldies (and goodies)! Thanks for sharing – take care (((((loveandhugs))))))
Thanks for riding in your truck for Adin today.
Such a tragedy. I cry for all who knew him.
Yes, a tragedy all around.
such a heartbreaking tragedy, the loss and grief Adin’s family, his girlfriend, and other friends will be felt for a long time to come. it sounds like he was such a good person and was loved by many who came in contact with him. thank you for sharing this, i am very touched by his story. his legacy is kindness.
Thank you for appreciating this story about Adin. Yes, I do think his legacy is kindness.
Such a terrible loss.
I cannot imagine how difficult this is to handle.
No. I don’t have words. It’s unbearable.
We want to thank you for writing about our Adin. He was our whole world and we are struggling to understand what to do with our love for him,and our pain and loss. We still need to figure out what life looks like without Adin. We appreciate any help and guidance. Adin believes in God. We want nothing more than to see him and hold him again! In the time that we are waiting to see him again, we need to get justice for our sweet son, Adin Nathaniel Castle.
Words are not adequate to even begin to say how deeply sorry I am at the loss of your beloved Adin. I cannot imagine the depth of your unspeakable grief. If my words in some small way comforted you, then I am thankful. I am grateful you have your faith to carry you through this time and in the years ahead. May you feel God’s love especially in this moment. From all accounts you raised a remarkably loving, caring, kind and compassionate son who clearly loved life, people, God…