3 Killed In Starved Rock State Park Explosion Identified: Coroner

Chicago IL

10 May, 2021

3:57 PM

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UTICA, IL — The three men who died after authorities said they ignited a black powder near Starved Rock State Park have been identified by the LaSalle County Coroner's Office. The bodies of Immer Rivera Tejada, 39, Guillermo Rivera Tejada, 26, and Rafael Rivera Tejada, 36, were discovered last Thursday night near the old Route 178 bridge, according to LaSalle County Coroner Rich Ploch. While investigators are still looking into the incident, authorities said the explosion appears to have been an accident while the three men were fishing. Ploch said the men were "cousins and uncles" from the Chicago area, the Chicago Tribune reported. It could take a few weeks to determine what the black powder substance was, but Ploch said it's likely the men were trying to cook their fish or light a fire for entertainment. "This is an isolated incident, and there is no concern for public safety at this time," said officials from the Illinois State Police.