Body of missing LA firefighter found off Long Beach coast

The body of LA firefighter Connor Lees, who went missing during an off-duty diving excursion, was found and recovered off the Long Beach coast on Friday, authorities said.

On Friday, March 28, police personnel were participating in dive training when they located the body, LBPD Lt. John Hotchkiss said.

The Los Angeles Fire Department received a positive identification of the body from the LA County Medical Examiner’s office on Saturday morning, according to LAFD spokesperson Margaret Stewart.

The off-duty firefighter, 29, went missing on Wednesday, Dec. 4 after he went on a dive in the Long Beach port. Search efforts began that day and ended two days later when the LBPD presumed Lees to be lost at sea.

“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,” stated an LAFD news release.

There were no signs of foul play and an investigation was ongoing, according to an LBPD news release.

Lees and three friends went free diving for lobster from a private boat near Pier J, just off of Harbor Scenic Way and just south of the Queen Mary, authorities have said. That type of diving does not require scuba gear.