Bride and Groom Say 'I Do' — Then Their House Blows Up

Tom Davis and Eleni Vrettos were struck by an unimaginable tragedy on what should have been the happiest day of their lives. As they exchanged vows on Feb. 19, 2025, in Cicero, Illinois, an explosion ripped through their home, destroying everything they owned, killing a wedding guest, and leaving a community in shock.

The Devastating Explosion

About 5 p.m., a massive explosion leveled the couple's two-story home on the 2200 block of Central Avenue. The blast was so intense that it shattered windows in nearby buildings and displaced 11 families. The Cicero Fire Department rushed to the scene, but by the time firefighters arrived, the flames had already consumed the structure, reducing it to rubble. The fire department worked to contain the blaze and prevent further damage, but the home — and everything inside — was beyond saving.

Who Was Responsible?

Authorities quickly launched an investigation, leading to a chilling discovery. Surveillance footage showed 31-year-old Anthony Avila-Puebla, a guest at the couple's wedding, repeatedly entering the home while carrying 5-gallon jugs filled with a flammable liquid. He was never seen leaving the house, however, and investigators later recovered his remains from the debris, concluding that he had initiated the fire and died in it.

The Motive Remains a Mystery

Although police confirmed that Avila-Puebla had a connection to someone living in the home, they have not disclosed further details. The motive behind his actions remains unclear, leaving both law enforcement and the community with unanswered questions.

A Lifetime of Memories Lost

For Vrettos, the home was more than just a place to live — it was a part of her family's history. Her parents owned the building for nearly 40 years, and she had lived there her entire life.

The couple also suffered another heartbreaking loss in the blaze — their six beloved cats, Bambi, Tucker, Reya, Graham, Old Boy, and Grey. "So now I don't have a home and on top of it, I don't have them as my home. That's the most devastating, because they're the ones that give me the comfort through that darkness," Vrettos said, as reported by LADbible.

Community Steps Up

In the wake of the disaster, the Cicero community has rallied around the newlyweds. A GoFundMe campaign launched to help them rebuild their lives has raised nearly $57,000. The fundraiser also revealed that the couple had no insurance coverage at the time of the explosion, as they were in the middle of transferring their home insurance policy.

Support has poured in from friends, family, and strangers alike, offering donations, housing, and words of encouragement.

What Comes Next?

As the investigation continues, police are working to piece together Avila-Puebla's motivations and any additional details that may shed light on the tragedy. The Cicero Police Department has urged anyone with information to come forward, hoping to provide closure for the couple and the affected community. While Davis and Vrettos face an uncertain future, they remain determined to move forward.

References: Couple loses home on wedding day in Cicero explosion; 1 dead and others displaced by the blast | Bride and Groom's Home Exploded When They Said 'I Do.' A Wedding Guest Was the Culprit, Say Police | Bride and groom forced to leave wedding after their house was blown up by guest mid-ceremony | Bride and groom have their home blown up by wedding guest who slipped away during ceremony | Wedding Guest Blows Up Home of Bride and Groom During Ceremony