Michael Mercado was a fire captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) who tragically passed away on December 8, 2024, while he was off duty, due to an undisclosed medical condition.
Mercado had dedicated over 25 years of fire-fighting service to the Los Angeles County Fire Department and was most recently assigned to Fire Station 90 in South El Monte. Mercado's passing has deeply affected his family, friends, and colleagues.
The Los Angeles fire community mourns Michael Mercado's loss
The Los Angeles County Fire Department, along with Los Angeles County Firefighters, IAFF Local 1014, shared a post mourning Captain Michael Mercado's death. The post read:
"We extend our prayers and condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Fire Captain Mercado."
"To ensure the proper care and support of the Mercado family and our personnel, Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone has activated the Department’s chaplains, Peer Support team, behavioral health clinicians, and Memorial Management team."
In a separate post on X, the Los Angeles County Fire Department wrote:
"It is with a heavy ❤️ the #LACoFD share the active duty death of Fire Captain Michael H. Mercado. Capt. Mercado faithfully served our Department, residents & communities for 25+ years. We extend our condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of Capt. Mercado. RIP🙏🏽💔🕊️"
The exact medical reason for Michael Mercado's death has not been disclosed. A post previously shared by the Los Angeles County Fire Department mentioned 'active duty death (off duty),' however, as reported by ABC 7 News:
"The agency corrected an earlier statement describing his passing as an active duty death."
The department said that Michael Mercado died from a medical condition while he was off duty.
Michael Mercado's death comes on the heels of another tragedy for the Los Angeles Fire Department
The Los Angeles Fire Department is reeling from another loss apart from Michael Mercado's. Investigators have finally concluded their long and extensive search for the body of 29-year-old Connor Lees, an off-duty Los Angeles firefighter who went missing while diving in Long Beach.
The Long Beach Police Department confirmed that the search efforts, which included divers from multiple fire and police departments, were ultimately unsuccessful. Despite extensive efforts, Lees was presumed lost at sea after being reported missing on the night of 4 December.
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The missing diver was off duty and not performing fire department duties when he went diving on his day off, as stated by Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley.
He had served with the department for six years, stationed in Los Angeles. Authorities have stated there is no indication of foul play in the incident.
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