Services announced for 61-year-old Fall River man killed in Cape Cod trench collapse

Services have been announced for a Fall River man killed in a construction accident that took place on Cape Cod on Tuesday morning.

61-year-old Miguel Alexandre Reis, husband of Ana (Raposo) Reis, passed away from his injuries after a trench collapse.

According to an obituary, “Miguel was a truly devout husband and father and a man of strong faith in the Holy Spirit. He was the founder of the Imperio das Esmolas and was an active, lifelong member of St. John’s Holy Ghost and numerous other Holy Spirit organizations, dedicating his time and effort to his community. Miguel was a hardworking man who gave his all to helping others in need and was known for his generous spirit. He found joy in gardening and farming. Above all, he cherished family gatherings; he was often described as the life of the party and was known for always being in good spirits, bringing laughter and warmth to every occasion.”

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, Reis, was removed from the trench at approximately 2:45 p.m. 

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 obituary states that “Miguel is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-seven years and their loving children, Alexander Reis and his partner, Haley Jordan, and Stephanie Reis Campeau and her husband, Brandon Campeau. He is also survived by his siblings, Olinda, Lurdes, and Ilda, all of the Azores, Maria of Canada, and his brother Manuel Jose of Fall River. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Gilda, of the Azores.”

Reis’ “Funeral will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 9:00 AM from the Silva-Faria Funeral Home, 730 Bedford St., Fall River, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in Espirito Santo Church at 10:00 AM. His visitation will take place on Sunday, November 23, 2025, in the Silva-Faria Funeral Home from 5-8 PM. Committal and Interment in Notre Dame Cemetery.”