California firefighter's body recovered off San Diego pier after tragic beach trip

The body of a 25-year-old California firefighter was discovered off a San Diego pier early Thursday morning following a beach outing with family and friends, authorities confirmed.

Identified Victim

The Oakland Fire Department announced via Facebook that the deceased, Caedan Laffan, unexpectedly passed away, and "drowning appears to be the cause of death." The exact cause of death is pending an autopsy report.

Possible Involvement of Alcohol

Lieutenant Rick Romero with the San Diego Fire-Rescue suggested that "alcohol was possible" as a factor in the incident, as reported by KUSI.

Laffan, a 2019 graduate of the Oakland Fire Academy, had recently joined his father at the Oakland Fire Department. He was in San Diego to participate in the California Firefighter Summer Games.

Laffan's friends and family raised the alarm after he entered the ocean at Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach, took a few strokes, and then vanished from sight.

Search and Recovery Efforts

The San Diego Police Department responded to the scene at 1:56 a.m. and initiated a thorough search in the coastal area near Grand Avenue. Despite efforts involving a rescue boat, land units, and a Coast Guard helicopter, Laffan could not be located initially.

Laffan's body was eventually found north of the pier around 4:15 a.m. by a lifeguard sergeant. His body, draped in a U.S. flag, was carried to the San Diego Medical Examiner's van by police, fire personnel, friends, and relatives.

Tribute and Condolences

Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington expressed deep sorrow in a Facebook post, describing Laffan as a "young, enthusiastic member of the Oakland Fire Department with a bright future ahead of him." The department extended condolences to the entire Laffan family and all those connected to him.

Family Legacy in Firefighting

Firefighting runs in Laffan's family, with his father holding the position of assistant fire chief at the Oakland Fire Department before passing away from a heart attack in the line of duty in 2020. Laffan's grandfather also served as a firefighter, while his mother runs a business offering mental health services to fire crews. Furthermore, his younger brother Cooper is currently undergoing training at the fire academy.