The Yuba County community and colleagues across California are mourning the loss of 33-year-old Daniel Bustos-Mendez of Hayward, who tragically died on August 7 while working on a major project for the Yuba Water Agency.

According to the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, Bustos-Mendez, a contractor with Antioch-based Drill Tech Drilling and Shoring Inc., was operating construction equipment on the $77 million tunnel and penstock upgrade project near the New Colgate Powerhouse in Dobbins when the equipment fell down an embankment. He died as a result of the accident.

Cal/OSHA confirmed they are investigating the incident, though no further details have been released.

In a GoFundMe campaign, Drill Tech described themselves as “heartbroken to share the unexpected passing of our beloved colleague,” adding, “For nearly a decade, Daniel played a key role as a lead man on our project teams. He brought positivity, hard work, and an unyielding passion to his role. His dedication to the team, kindness to his coworkers, and unwavering commitment to excellence will never be forgotten.”

Drill Tech has contributed $100,000 to the fundraiser, which had raised $150,000 by Tuesday evening in support of his family.

Bustos-Mendez’s passing is not only a loss to his loved ones but to the entire team that worked alongside him on Yuba Water’s ambitious tunnel and penstock upgrade—a four-mile-long rock tunnel and one-mile-long penstock that will transport water from Bullards Bar Reservoir to the New Colgate Powerhouse, expected to be completed in January 2026.

Daniel will be remembered for his skill, dedication, and the positive spirit he brought to every project and every life he touched.