Daniel Bustos Mendez Obituary, Death – A contractor working for the Yuba Water Agency tragically lost his life on Thursday after an accident involving construction equipment, the agency confirmed. The victim was identified as 33-year-old Daniel Bustos Mendez from Hayward. According to the agency, Bustos Mendez was operating construction machinery near the New Colgate Powerhouse in Dobbins when the equipment tumbled down an embankment, leading to the fatal incident.
Further specifics about the accident have not been released by the agency. In a statement issued last week, Yuba Water Agency’s general manager, Willie Whittlesey, expressed the agency’s deep sorrow over the incident. “We are just devastated and are still processing what exactly happened,” Whittlesey said. He extended condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers who are enduring an unimaginable loss. He also acknowledged the pain and shock experienced by the agency’s own staff, who were involved in the accident response efforts.
The Yuba Water Agency emphasized its commitment to supporting the ongoing investigation and pledged to maintain transparency as new information becomes available. The agency is cooperating fully with authorities as they look into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is leading the investigation into the incident. Officials from OSHA told KCRA 3 that they currently have no additional details to share regarding their inquiry. However, they noted that their office has up to six months to complete the investigation and potentially issue citations if any workplace safety violations are identified.
This tragic event has sent ripples of grief through the local community, particularly among those connected to the Yuba Water Agency and the construction project at the New Colgate Powerhouse. The loss of Daniel Bustos Mendez underscores the risks construction workers face on the job, especially when operating heavy machinery in challenging environments.
As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on uncovering the precise factors that contributed to this fatal accident. Meanwhile, the agency and authorities continue to offer support to all affected parties as they cope with this profound loss. The Yuba Water Agency’s pledge of transparency aims to ensure that lessons can be learned and appropriate safety measures reinforced to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
