Caedan Laffan, a 25-year-old Oakland firefighter, drowned early Thursday in San Diego while attending the California Firefighter Summer Games, leaving his family and colleagues devastated by the unexpected tragedy.

Laffan's body was recovered off a San Diego pier around 4:15 a.m. after a search was initiated in the early morning hours when he disappeared from view at the beach. The Oakland Fire Department confirmed his passing, noting that he was in San Diego for the California Firefighter Summer Games. Preliminary reports suggest drowning as the cause, though an autopsy is pending. His sudden death has not only struck his family, who have deep roots in firefighting, but also left the entire Oakland Fire Department in mourning.

Friends and family of Caedan Laffan became alarmed after he walked into the ocean and did not return. Lifeguards were notified of his disappearance, prompting a search by the San Diego Police Department. The search began at 1:56 a.m. in the coastal area near Grand Avenue, where he was last seen. His body was discovered north of a nearby pier around 4:15 a.m.

The Oakland Fire Department took to Facebook to confirm Laffan's untimely death, expressing their sorrow over losing a dedicated member of their team. Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington voiced his heartbreak on behalf of the department, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on both Laffan's family and his fellow firefighters.

Lt. Rick Romero of the San Diego Police Department mentioned that alcohol might have played a role in Laffan's death, though the exact cause will be determined by an autopsy. The Oakland Fire Department plans to extend support to Laffan's family during this period of grief.

The firefighter legacy forms a significant part of Laffan’s family history. Caedan Laffan followed in the footsteps of his father, Assistant Chief Sean Laffan, who tragically passed away on duty in 2020 due to a heart attack. Caedan had joined the Oakland Fire Department in 2019 after graduating from the Oakland Fire Academy. The profession has deep roots in the family, with his mother currently working as a mental health service provider for fire crews, and his brother, Cooper, training in the fire academy.

Caedan Laffan was in San Diego.

His body was respectfully draped in a U.S. flag as it was transported to the San Diego Medical Examiner's van, a poignant tribute to his service. The ceremony underscored the sense of duty and respect that defined his career in the fire service.

Laffan's colleagues in the Oakland Fire Department remember him fondly, not just as a firefighter, but also as a person dedicated to service and his community. The department plans to honor his memory by continuing the work he was so passionate about, ensuring his legacy lives on.

As the Laffan family and the broader firefighting community come to terms with this loss, they are rallied together by a shared sense of support and resilience. The Oakland Fire Department has emphasized their commitment to standing by the Laffan family during this challenging time, recognizing the need for unity and strength in the face of such a tragic event.

The entire city of Oakland is also mourning the loss of Caedan Laffan, a firefighter who had already demonstrated unwavering dedication at a young age. His passing is a somber reminder of the risks and sacrifices associated with the firefighting profession, as well as the deep bonds formed within this community of first responders.

The circumstances surrounding Laffan’s death will continue to be investigated to provide clarity and closure to his family, friends, and colleagues. The pending autopsy will hopefully provide more definitive answers about the factors contributing to this tragedy.

In the meantime, tributes and messages of condolences have been pouring in from across the state, reflecting on Laffan's service and the void left by his sudden departure. His dedication to his profession and the camaraderie he shared with his peers will remain a lasting legacy among those who knew him best.