A Dedicated Worker Lost in a Heartbreaking Job Site Accident
The Yuba County community and the construction industry are mourning the sudden loss of 33-year-old Daniel Bustos-Mendez of Hayward, California. Daniel, a skilled contractor with Drill Tech Drilling and Shoring Inc., tragically lost his life on August 7 while working on a major $77 million project for the Yuba Water Agency near the New Colgate Powerhouse in Dobbins.
According to the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, Daniel was operating construction equipment when it fell down a steep embankment. Despite efforts to save him, he did not survive the accident. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has launched an investigation into the incident, but full details remain pending.
Daniel had been a vital part of the Drill Tech team for nearly a decade, contributing his skills, leadership, and positive spirit to countless projects. His death has left both his coworkers and loved ones devastated.
Remembering Daniel’s Dedication and Spirit
Drill Tech described Daniel as a man who approached each day with positivity, hard work, and an unyielding passion for his craft. As a lead man on project teams, he wasn’t just a worker — he was a mentor, a motivator, and a friend to many. His kindness and dedication to excellence left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.
In a heartfelt statement on their GoFundMe page, the company expressed their heartbreak and announced a $100,000 donation to help support Daniel’s family during this unimaginable time. The campaign had reached $150,000 as of Tuesday evening, with contributions pouring in from coworkers, friends, and strangers touched by his story.
Daniel’s loss is a painful reminder of the risks faced by those in construction and infrastructure work — individuals who often labor quietly behind the scenes to build and maintain the systems that keep our communities running.
A Call for Workplace Safety and Support for the Family
While Yuba Water’s ambitious tunnel and penstock upgrade continues, Daniel’s death underscores the need for continued vigilance in workplace safety. Accidents like this not only take lives but also leave lasting emotional scars on coworkers, families, and communities.
Daniel’s family, now grappling with both grief and sudden financial strain, is finding strength in the outpouring of community support. Friends remember him not only as a talented professional but as a loving son, brother, and friend whose laughter and generosity brightened every space he entered.
As the investigation moves forward, those who knew Daniel hope his story will serve as a reminder to prioritize safety on every job site. His legacy will live on in the projects he helped build, the people he inspired, and the love he shared.
Daniel Bustos-Mendez leaves behind a legacy of dedication, kindness, and hard work — and a community forever changed by his absence.
