The bodies of a lost Los Angeles Fire Station firefighter who went missing at sea while diving three months ago has been recovered.
On Saturday, LAFD announced that the body of 29-year-old Connor J. Leeds was found on March 26th in waters off Long Beach.
On December 4th, 2024, Leeds, who was on duty, freely dived with three other men at Long Beach Port from Pier.
The man began searching for multiple agencies with divers from the U.S. Coast Guard, LAFD, LA County Fire, Long Beach Police and LA Port Police for emergency assistance just before 10pm when Leeds did not return to the boat.
More than 19 hours after the search began, authorities have decided to move from a search and rescue mission to a recovery mission.
“The decision to move to a recovery mission has not been underestimated,” LBFD said in an Instagram post on December 5, 2024.
Connor Leeds, 29, can be seen in photos provided by Familly. (GofundMe) Connorleas Search and Rescue Operation Defeated at sea on December 5, 2024 on a free dive from Long Beach. (KTLA)
Authorities told The Times that investigators did not suspect a foul play and that Leeds was believed to have been lost at sea.
A candlelight vigil was held at Seal Beach on December 22, 2024, with family, friends and colleagues gathered to honor his hometown of Lee.
On March 26, LAFD confirmed that Long Beach Police had recovered the body from the seawater.
Lees worked with the LAFD for six years and served in the 94 B Fire Station in the Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw community.
“LAFD is united in grief with our firefighters’ family, friends and colleagues. We express our deep sadness to everyone who knows and loves him. We said on Saturday. Their professionalism, determination and compassion have brought comfort to our department and our firefighters’ loved ones in Leeds during this difficult time.”
The GoFundMe page that supports the Lees family can be found here.
