A young California firefighter drowned in the Pacific Ocean this week, just four years after his father, also a firefighter, died suddenly in the line of duty.
Oakland firefighter Kaden Laffan, 25, died about 2 a.m. Thursday on the north side of Pacific Pier in south La Jolla. San Diego Fire Chief Collin Stowell told KTVU..
The San Diego Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 1:56 a.m., and the San Diego Lifeguard and U.S. Coast Guard began searching the scene shortly thereafter.
Laffan’s body was recovered at about 4:15 a.m. Reported by KUSI.
According to the media, Laffan was in San Diego for the California Summer Firefighting Championships and was swimming with friends at the time of his death.
He was on shore with friends and family but waded into chest-to-waist-deep water and, after paddling a few times, disappeared.
Authorities added that alcohol may have been involved.
“We searched for several hours with rescue boats, shore units and a Coast Guard helicopter,” Lt. Rick Romero with San Diego Fire Rescue told KTVU.
“We never found him. We were on our final patrol on the beach and a lifeguard sergeant found him. He had washed up on the beach north of the pier. Unfortunately, things happen. It’s a really sad story.”
Laffan graduated from Oakland’s recruiting academy in 2019, the local fire department said in a statement.
“Kaden Laffan was a young, dedicated member of the Oakland Fire Department with a bright future ahead of him. We are all heartbroken to learn of this tragic incident,” Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington said in a press release.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Laffan family and all those who knew, worked with and loved him.”
Laffan’s father, Shawn Laffan, was also a firefighter in Oakland.
Mr. Laffan is the deputy chief of the fire department. Died of a heart attack During work in November 2020.
He was 42 years old.
“My dad made me want to be an Oakland firefighter, and he encouraged me the moment I decided to graduate from high school and get certified as a paramedic and EMT,” Kaden Laffen said. He told KTVU in 2020 that he plans to follow in his father’s footsteps..
“We could have worked together at the fire department for about 10 years. It lasted one year, but I can say I loved every minute of it.”
