MeatEater, Inc. is an outdoor lifestyle company founded by renowned writer and TV personality Steven Rinella. Host of the Netflix show MeatEater and The MeatEater Podcast, Rinella has gained wide popularity with hunters and non-hunters alike through his passion for outdoor adventure and wild foods, as well as his strong commitment to conservation. Founded with the belief that a deeper understanding of the natural world enriches all of our lives, MeatEater, Inc. brings together leading influencers in the outdoor space to create premium content experiences and unique apparel and equipment. MeatEater, Inc. is based in Bozeman, MT.

3 Illinois Anglers Killed in Unexplained Explosion

Bridge over river with multiple explosions along truss, flames and smoke reflected in water

Hunter in camouflage wearing MeatEater beanie, kneeling beside large buck with rifle, holding antlers

Spencer NeuharthSpencer Neuharth is the director of web content at MeatEater, producer of Wired to Hunt, and founder of Rut Fresh. His writing has been featured in over a dozen magazines, including Field & Stream, Petersen's Hunting, and Men's Journal. His work is a reflection of his roots as a whitetail hunter and training as a biologist.May 24, 2021

Earlier this month, three men fishing near Starved Rock State Park, Illinois, died in a mysterious blast.Authorities identified the anglersas brothers Inmer and Rafael Rivera Tejada, 39 and 36, and their nephew Guillermo Rivera Tejada, 26, all of Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.

“A day that was supposed to be a family fishing outing turned out to be one of nightmares and tragedy,” said aGoFundMe campaigndedicated to the family.

According to LaSalle County Coroner Rich Ploch, the fuel for the fatal explosion was black powder in a hole. Ploch said it appeared as though the men were trying to light a fire to cook food, which was found nearby. The family isn’t convinced of this explanation, though.

Attorney Tara R. Devine, who is representing the Tejadas, said there’s no reason to believe the anglers would knowingly use explosives. She raised the possibility that the deaths are connected to nearby demolition work on a bridge over the Illinois River.According to theChicago Sun Times, construction crews used explosives in March to remove steel spans from the bridge, which is close to where the Tejadas were fishing. Devine is seeking an investigation into what blasting work took place and the cleanup that followed.

“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 said in a statement.“When something like this happens to three dads, it should be looked at really closely. We want answers.”

State police have provided no further update on the investigation or autopsy.

Inmer, Rafael, and Guillermo leave behind seven children from ages 2 to 14. MeatEater sends its condolences to the family.

Feature image of Route 178 bridge implosion from March, 2021.