Family of men killed in May 6 explosion near Utica hire law firm

The family of three men killed in a May 6 explosion near Starved Rock State Park have retained a Chicago law firm, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C., to investigate the deaths.

Brothers Inmer Rivera Tejada, 39, Rafael Rivera Tejada, 36, and their nephew, 26-year-old Guillermo Rivera Tejada, all were killed in a rural Utica explosion that so far has confounded investigators.

La Salle County authorities did, however, say the material ignited did not come from the March 18 demolition of the nearby Utica bridge.

“Our firm is thoroughly investigating this incident to determine exactly what happened and how these three young men tragically lost their lives in Utica last week,” said attorney Tara R. Devine. “At this time, there is no reason to believe the three men had anything whatsoever to do with the handling of, or knowingly using explosive devices.

“But we do know demolition was actively occurring in the area as part of bridge work. We will be hiring some of the best experts in the country to assist us in our investigation and hopefully bring peace of mind to Inmer, Rafael and Guillermo’s family.”

Devine further issued an appeal for the family’s privacy and said a statement and further information would be issued when “appropriate.”

The Rivera Tejada family is also represented by Patrick A. Salvi, founder and managing equity partner of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, and attorney Jaclyn J. Wilcox.