SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — An Oakland firefighter-paramedic died early Thursday during a predawn swim off the coast of Pacific Beach.
The man got separated from friends in the ocean near Crystal Pier about 2 a.m., according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
Several hours later, as lifeguards were searching the surf and swells with help from personnel aboard a Coast Guard helicopter, the missing man's body washed ashore on the north side of the pier, SDFRD Lt. Rick Romero told OnSceneTV.
The man -- later identified by the Oakland Fire Department as 25-year-old Caeden Laffan -- was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim "most likely" got caught in a rip current that he could not break free from, Romero said.
In a prepared statement, Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington described his department as in collective mourning over the sudden loss of their youthful colleague.
"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," Covington stated. "Our hearts go out to the entire Laffan family and all who know him, worked with him and loved him. 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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