On Thursday, August 28, 2026, at approximately 3:40 PM, the city of Santiago del Estero, Argentina, was plunged into mourning. Eduardo 'El Polaco' Groh Riemersma, 49 years old, lost his life in a traffic accident while riding his KTM 990 Adventure motorcycle at the roundabout of Avenida Alsina and Ramón Gómez Cornet. According to initial police reports, he lost control of the vehicle and fell onto the road, suffering a severe head trauma with loss of brain matter and a collapsed chest. He arrived at the Regional Hospital without vital signs, where his death was confirmed.
The news has shocked the entire province, especially animal lovers, as 'El Polaco' was the founder and heart of the 'El Montecito de los Canichones' shelter, one of the largest in northern Argentina.
Who Was 'El Polaco' Groh Riemersma?
Born in Bandera, Santiago del Estero, Eduardo Groh Riemersma was a Forest Engineer graduated from the National University of Santiago del Estero. He lived in Germany for several years, working in his profession, but his true passion was always animals. In his youth, he survived being hit by a car, which left him in a coma, caused two heart attacks, and required a year of rehabilitation. That experience profoundly marked him and brought him even closer to the animal cause.
In 2006, he founded the shelter 'El Montecito de los Canichones', first in his hometown and later on a 4-hectare property along Route 16, in La Banda. There, he housed more than 400 dogs at its peak, and at the time of his death, the shelter had around 250 canines, though some sources mention over 600.
A Day of Work and Love
On the very day of his death, 'El Polaco' had taken several dogs to the dog groomer, distributed food in the Belgrano neighborhood, and rescued a female dog named Martina. His routine was tireless: he gave talks at schools, collaborated with other shelters, and denounced animal abuse. His figure transcended provincial borders, receiving support from celebrities like Liz Solari, Thalía, Danny Trejo, and Nicole Neumann.
What Will Happen to the Shelter?
The question on everyone's mind is: Who will care for the 250 dogs? The answer, according to judicial and association sources, is that the shelter has provincial legal status since 2017 and its own tax ID (CUIT), so it can continue its activities. However, several legal challenges remain:
- Board of Directors: The last assembly was held in May 2025, and it must be verified who currently makes up the board.
- Presidential succession: 'El Polaco' was the president, and a successor must now be appointed.
- Land ownership: It must be confirmed whether the La Banda property is in the name of the association or the founder.
- Trademark: The name 'El Montecito de los Canichones' was registered with the INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property) in Riemersma's personal name in 2025, which could lead to conflicts.
Fortunately, the shelter has a network of sponsors of approximately 100,000 members, who could financially support the cause while the paperwork is resolved.
Tribute in Bandera
In his hometown, the Deliberative Council of Bandera will consider a project to name the Primary Animal Health Care Center (CAPSA) after 'Eduardo Groh Riemersma'. The initiative was presented by councilman and former mayor Guillermo Novara, who inaugurated the CAPSA during his term with the support of 'El Polaco' and deputy Cecilia Valdés.
The news of his death was confirmed by Cadena 3, and the investigation is led by the Prosecutor's Office of Martín Silva, which will conduct forensic examinations and review security cameras to determine the exact causes of the accident.
The legacy of 'El Polaco' Groh Riemersma transcends his passing: his example of unconditional love for animals and his tireless fight for the most vulnerable will remain etched in the memory of all who knew him. His work, 'El Montecito de los Canichones', will continue to be a beacon of hope for the hundreds of dogs that found a home in him.