Body of missing L.A. firefighter found off Long Beach waters
The body of a missing Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter who went missing at sea while diving over three months ago has been recovered.
On Saturday, LAFD announced the body of Connor J. Lees, 29, was found in the waters off Long Beach on March 26.
On Dec. 4, 2024, Lees, who was off duty, went free diving with three other men in the Port of Long Beach off Pier J. Free diving involves holding one’s breath for as long as they can while diving without scuba gear.
The men called for emergency help just before 10 p.m. when Lees did not return to their boat, launching a multi-agency search with divers from the U.S. Coast Guard, LAFD, L.A. County Fire, Long Beach Police and the L.A. Port Police.
More than 19 hours after the search began, officials made the decision to transition from a search and rescue mission to a recovery mission.
“The decision to transition operations to a recovery mission is not taken lightly,” LBFD said in an Instagram post on Dec. 5, 2024. “As we make this transition, our thoughts and prayers continue for the family of the missing diver and for our brothers and sisters at the Los Angeles City Fire Department.”
-
Connor Lees, 29, is seen in a photo provided by familly. (GoFundMe) -
Search and rescue operations for Connor Lees, lost at sea during a free dive off Long Beach on Dec. 5, 2024. (KTLA) -
A painting of Connor Less by artist Rosanna Tos was provided to the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Fire Station 94 in Lees’ honor. -
A vigil in Seal Beach to honor the life of Connor Lees, lost at sea during a free dive in waters off Long Beach on Dec. 5, 2024. (KTLA)
Officials told The Times that investigators did not suspect foul play and that Lees was believed to be lost at sea.
A candlelight vigil was held at Seal Beach on Dec. 22, 2024, where family, friends and colleagues gathered to honor Lees in his hometown.
On March 26, LAFD confirmed Long Beach police had recovered his body from the ocean waters.
Lees had worked with LAFD for six years and served at Fire Station 94 B Platoon in the Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw community.
“The LAFD stands united in grief alongside Firefighter Lees’ family, friends, and colleagues. We extend our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him, LAFD officials said Saturday. “We would also like to express our profound gratitude to the Long Beach Police Department and the Long Beach Fire Department for their unwavering dedication and support throughout the search and recovery efforts. Their professionalism, determination, and compassion have brought solace to our department and to Firefighter Lees’ loved ones during this difficult time.”
A GoFundMe page to support Lees’ family can be found here.