Fall River man killed in Cape Cod construction incident remembered as great man with strong faith

A Fall River man is dead after a construction accident that took place on Cape Cod on Tuesday morning.

According to the Yarmouth Fire Department, at just after 8:45 a.m., the Yarmouth Fire Department received a call for assistance from a Yarmouth Police detail officer indicating a trench collapse at the sewer construction site located at 152 South Shore Drive adjacent to Parker’s River Beach. The initial report indicated there were several people trapped in the trench. 

Yarmouth Fire immediately dispatched all on-duty personnel, requested a full department recall and simultaneously requested the Barnstable County Technical Rescue Team. Additionally, a request was made for a mutual aid working fire assignment for station coverage due to the expected duration of the incident. 

The first units arrived just before 9:00 a.m. reporting three victims, one of whom managed self- extrication; a second, buried up to his waist; and the third completely entrapped. Rescue operations began immediately with personnel working and finally freeing the second victim at approximately 1:20 p.m., who was then evaluated and transported to Rhode Island Hospital by Boston Med Flight. Rescue operations continued until the third worker, who succumbed to his injuries, was removed from the trench at approximately 2:45 p.m. 

Those who knew Miguel Reis described him as a great and humble man who gave relentlessly to the community. He had a strong faith of the Holy Ghost and even had his own feast at his home every August. He was a great friend to many that became like family. Always smiling. A great family man.

Fall River City Councilor Andrew Raposo, Reis’ nephew, stated that “my uncle was a great man, who was always willing to help anyone in need. He always had a smile on his face, and enjoyed a good time with friends and family. Yearly, he would hold a feast at his home and many people attended. He was loved by so many, and he will be truly missed.”

According to CBS Boston, OSHA records from 2015 to 2025 show that the excavation company, Revoli Construction, had six inspection reports. In at least two of the cases, OSHA found serious safety violations and issued penalties.

The incident is under active investigation by local, state, and federal authorities. The Yarmouth Fire Department thanked the numerous partners and agencies in response and stabilization of this incident including Barnstable, Brewster, Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills, Chatham, Cotuit, Dennis, Harwich, Joint Base-Cape Cod, and the West Barnstable Fire Departments for provision of on-scene and coverage support. The Barnstable and Plymouth County Technical Rescue Teams for the technical expertise to safely extricate the victims working with the Department of Fire Services, Boston Med Flight, and the Providence Canteen providing direct support to the incident scene. The Yarmouth Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration provided scene security and investigatory services. National Grid and Eversource managed utility concerns throughout the incident. Special thanks to the Town of Yarmouth’s Town Administrator’s Office, Water Department, and Department of Public Works from both Yarmouth and Barnstable for their assistance. Equipment and personnel from Public Works were critical to the operation. 

The Yarmouth Fire Department extended their deepest sympathies to the victim’s loved ones and appreciation to all responders for their professionalism during this tragic incident.