SAN DIEGO, CA – The body of a 25-year-old firefighter from Oakland was recovered early Thursday morning near a San Diego pier following a beach outing with family and friends, according to local authorities.
The Oakland Fire Department announced on social media that Caedan Laffan died unexpectedly, with drowning suspected as the cause of death. Lt. Rick Romero of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department mentioned that alcohol might have been a factor, though the exact cause of death remains undetermined pending an autopsy.
Laffan, who graduated from the Oakland Fire Academy in 2019 and followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the Oakland Fire Department, was in San Diego to participate in the California Firefighter Summer Games. His body was found near Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach after he entered the ocean and disappeared from view.
Laffan’s family and friends alerted lifeguards when they lost sight of him in the water. The San Diego Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 1:56 a.m., initiating a search that included a rescue boat, land units, and a Coast Guard helicopter. Despite their efforts, they were unable to locate him immediately.
The search continued until Laffan’s body was discovered around 4:15 a.m. by a lifeguard sergeant, who found him washed ashore just north of the pier. The scene was somber as his body, draped in an American flag, was carried to the San Diego Medical Examiner’s van by police, fire personnel, friends, and family.
Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington expressed the department’s sorrow in a heartfelt social media post, describing Laffan as a young and enthusiastic firefighter with a promising future. He extended condolences to the Laffan family and all who knew and loved him.
Firefighting was a family tradition for Laffan. His father, who served as the assistant fire chief in Oakland, died in the line of duty in 2020. His grandfather was also a firefighter, his mother provides mental health services to fire crews, and his younger brother is currently training at the fire academy.