An Oakland firefighter who died last week in San Diego after an apparent drowning has been identified by Oakland Fire as 25-year-old Caeden Laffan.
Laffan went into the ocean off Pacific Beach near Crystal Pier, San Diego fire spokesperson Jose Ysea said, and emergency services personnel were called at approximately 2 a.m. by his family, who were gathered at the beach.
“Caeden Laffan was a young enthusiastic member of the Oakland Fire Department, with a bright future ahead of him, and we’re all heartbroken today after learning of this tragic event,” said Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington in a statement Thursday morning.
After a search effort, rescue crews found Laffan’s body in the sand at approximately 5 a.m. and pronounced the individual dead at the scene, Ysea said. No lifesaving efforts were performed, since the body had been in the water for more than two hours, Ysea said.
Ysea said that San Diego police, fire, chaplains and counselors offered support to roughly a dozen family members and friends who were at the beach, including the firefighter’s mother.
Laffan’s father, Sean Laffan, was also Oakland firefighter and died in 2020 after suffering a heart attack.
It was not immediately clear what circumstances led to the apparent drowning. However, Ysea said that lifeguards typically do not staff San Diego beaches in the early morning hours.
“It’s pretty dark out there, and we really advise against (swimming),” Ysea said.
“Our hearts go out to the entire Laffan family, and all who know him, worked with him, and loved him,” said Covington. “The Laffan family and I sincerely appreciate the coordination and support of the San Diego Fire Department as our members continue to respond and grieve.”
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