The body of a 29-year-old firefighter from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Connor Lees, was discovered three months after he went missing. His remains were found on Friday off the waters of Long Beach, California. Lees had been reported missing on December 4, 2024, after disappearing during a diving expedition in the Port of Long Beach. The firefighter was off-duty at the time and was diving with friends when the tragic incident occurred.
Freediving Incident Leads to Tragic Disappearance; Search Transitioned to Recovery Efforts
Connor Lees was freediving at the time of his disappearance, a technique that requires divers to hold their breath without using air tanks. According to reports from the Long Beach Fire Department, the area where he was diving was at least 30 feet deep, and he was wearing a diving mask. However, because he did not have an oxygen tank, it made the search for him more difficult. Freediving can be especially hazardous in deep water, and conditions in the area worsened, complicating the efforts to locate him.
Body of Missing LAFD Firefighter Connor Lees Found Three Months After Freediving IncidentAfter Lees went missing, a 19-hour search operation was initiated. The search efforts were described as highly technical but ultimately transitioned into a recovery operation on December 5, 2024, due to poor visibility in the waters and the length of time since Lees was last seen. Despite intensive search efforts, including the deployment of specialized teams, the body of the firefighter was not found until much later. The recovery was eventually concluded as a result of these challenging circumstances.
LAFD Honors Fallen Firefighter Connor Lees; GoFundMe Raises Over $75,000 for Family
Connor Lees had served with the Los Angeles Fire Department for six years and was stationed at Fire Station 94 B Platoon in Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw. He was known for his dedication to the department and his colleagues. In the wake of his tragic death, the LAFD expressed their sorrow, offering condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers. The department emphasized their collective grief, reflecting the close-knit bond between firefighters and their community.
In response to the devastating loss, Lees’ family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support their financial needs during this difficult time. As of Sunday morning, the fundraiser had already raised over $75,000, illustrating the wide support from the community and the impact Lees had on those around him. The campaign is expected to help with funeral expenses and provide aid to his family as they cope with the tragic loss of their loved one.