The body of a 25-year-old California firefighter was found off a San Diego pier early Thursday after a beach trip with family and friends, police said.
The Oakland Fire Department confirmed via Facebook that Keidan Laffan died suddenly on Thursday morning and that “the cause of death is believed to be drowning.”
San Diego Fire Department Lt. Rick Romero said alcohol may have been involved. Reported by KUSIHis exact cause of death will remain unknown pending autopsy results.
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Keidan Laffan, 25, graduated from the Oakland Fire Academy in 2019 and served with his father at the Oakland Fire Department. His body was found Thursday on a San Diego pier. (Oakland Fire Department/Facebook)
Friends and family of Laffan called lifeguards after he waded into chest-to-waist-deep water near Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach, swam several times, then disappeared from view.
San Diego Police responded to the scene at 1:56 a.m. and began a search in the coastal area near Grand Avenue.
“We searched for several hours with rescue boats, shore units and a Coast Guard helicopter,” Romero said. He told KTVU“I couldn’t find his location.”
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Laffan was reportedly in San Diego for the California Firefighters Summer Conference. (Oakland Fire Department/Facebook)
Mr Laffan’s body was discovered north of the pier at about 4:15 a.m.
“Our lifeguard sergeant found him,” Romero said. “He had washed up on the beach north of the pier. Unfortunately, accidents happen. It’s a really sad story.”
The Oakland firefighters were in the city to compete in the California Firefighter Summer Games, the fire department said in a statement.
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Laffan’s body was found just north of Pacific Beach’s Crystal Pier, pictured here. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
As police, firefighters, friends and family carried LaFan’s body to the San Diego Coroner’s vehicle, his body was seen draped in an American flag, KUSI reported.
“Kaden Laffan was a young, dedicated employee of the Oakland Fire Department with a bright future ahead of him. We are all heartbroken to learn of this tragic incident,” Oakland Fire Department Chief Damon Covington said in a department Facebook post. “Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Laffan’s entire family and all who knew, worked with and loved him.”
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Firefighting has been a tradition in Laffan’s family: His father was deputy chief with the Oakland Fire Department until he died of a heart attack while on duty in 2020. His grandfather also worked as a firefighter, his mother owns a company that provides mental health services to firefighters, and his brother Cooper is currently training at the fire academy, according to KTVU.
