Oakland firefighter drowns on San Diego beach — 4 years after firefighter father dies suddenly

Oakland Firefighter who died from drowning last week in San Diego was identified by the Oakland Fire Department as 25-year-old Caeden Laffan.

Laffan fell into the ocean off Pacific Beach, near Crystal Pier, said San Diego Fire Department spokesman Jose Ysea, and emergency services were called by his family, who had gathered on the beach, about 2 a.m.

“Caeden Laffan was a young, enthusiastic member of the Oakland Fire Department who had a bright future ahead of him. Today, we are all saddened to learn of this tragic event,” Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington said in a statement Thursday morning.

After a search operation, rescue teams found Laffan’s body in the sand at around 5 a.m. and declared him dead at the scene, Ysea said. No rescue efforts were made as the body was in the water for more than two hours, Ysea said.

Ysea said San Diego police, firefighters, chaplains and counselors offered support to about a dozen family members and friends who were at the beach, including the firefighter’s mother.

Laffan’s father, Sean Laffan, was also an Oakland firefighter and died in 2020 of a heart attack.

It was not immediately clear what circumstances led to the apparent drowning. However, Ysea said lifeguards do not typically work on San Diego beaches in the early morning.

“It’s quite dark there and we really advise against (swimming),” Ysea said.

“Our hearts go out to the entire Laffan family and all who knew, worked with and loved him,” Covington said. “The Laffan family and I sincerely appreciate the coordination and support of the San Diego Fire Department as our members continue to respond and suffer.”