“Knights Ferry Workplace Tragedy Claims the Life of Beloved 35-Year-Old Local Mother”
KNIGHTS FERRY, CA — The victim of Tuesday’s devastating tunnel collapse at the Canyon Tunnel Project has been identified as 35-year-old Twyla Capurro of Calaveras County. The workplace accident, which occurred near the intersection of Sonora and Schell roads, has left a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the tight-knit community she called home.
The Heart of the Tragedy
Twyla was one of two workers inside the $84 million Canyon Tunnel Project when a section of the structure collapsed just before 3:45 PM on April 14, 2026. While one coworker was found outside with minor injuries, Twyla was tragically located deeper inside the tunnel. Despite the rapid response from Modesto Fire and Calaveras County emergency crews, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Remembering Twyla Capurro
Beyond the headlines of a “construction accident,” Twyla was a vibrant member of the Calaveras community.
-
A Dedicated Mother: Known as a fierce and loving mother, her world revolved around her children. Friends describe her as a woman who worked tirelessly to provide a bright future for her family.
-
A Hardworking Professional: Twyla was respected by her coworkers for her grit and dedication to a difficult and dangerous profession. She was part of a team working to improve regional water infrastructure—a project ironically designed to increase safety for future generations.
-
A Radiant Spirit: Those who knew her personally remember her “radiant smile” and her ability to lift the spirits of anyone around her, even after a long day at the job site.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
The South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) and federal safety investigators (OSHA) have officially closed the site while they examine the cause of the structural failure.
Community members have raised questions regarding the safety protocols in place at the time of the collapse. The project, which was aimed at bypassing an unstable rock slope, had been touted for its safety-first design, making Twyla’s passing even more shocking to local residents.
Leave a Reply