Body of missing Dallas firefighter recovered from North Texas lake, officials confirm

LAVON, Texas – The body of a Dallas firefighter who went missing over the weekend was recovered from Lake Lavon early Monday morning, officials have confirmed. The tragic discovery concludes a multi-day search operation involving numerous North Texas agencies.

The Collin County Sheriff’s Office announced that the body of Juan Omar Chaidez was located and recovered near Bratonia Park at approximately 7 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025. Chaidez, a respected member of the Dallas Fire-Rescue department, had been the subject of an intense search since he was reported missing on Saturday, June 21.

According to reports, Chaidez was kayaking with his dog on Lake Lavon when his kayak overturned. A witness reported seeing the man and his dog in the water, but later only saw the dog paddling near the empty, overturned vessel. The dog was safely rescued and is reported to be in good condition.

The initial report on Saturday morning launched a significant search and rescue operation led by the Collin County Sheriff’s Office. The effort faced considerable challenges, including high winds and submerged trees in the lake, which hampered the search.

Multiple agencies joined the search for the missing firefighter, including dive teams, drone operators, and marine units from the Wylie Fire-Rescue, Lucas Fire Department, Princeton Fire Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Chaidez’s own department, Dallas Fire-Rescue, also provided extensive support to the search efforts.

In a statement, the Collin County Sheriff’s Office expressed its condolences. “The Collin County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of Mr. Chaidez, a firefighter with the Dallas Fire Department,” the statement read. Officials also extended their gratitude to all the assisting agencies for their partnership and professionalism throughout the difficult search.

Bratonia Park has been temporarily closed to the public to allow for the completion of the on-scene investigation. The body of Firefighter Chaidez will be transported to the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Dallas Fire-Rescue has not yet released a public statement regarding the loss of their colleague. The incident has cast a somber mood over the North Texas first responder community, who had held out hope for a positive outcome.