Missing Dallas firefighter’s body recovered after search at Lake Lavon

The body of Juan Chaidez, a Dallas firefighter, was recovered Monday morning after he went missing Saturday night while kayaking.

The Collin County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that his body was found about 7 a.m. in Lake Lavon near Bratonia Park after an extensive search.

Wylie Fire Rescue, the Lucas Fire Department, Princeton Fire Department, Dallas Fire Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and AMR helped with the search and recovery.

North Texas first responders gathered Monday morning for a procession to escort Chaidez’s body to the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Multiple agencies were involved in the escort and the procession was traveling westbound on FM 982 to U.S. 380 into McKinney.

Dallas Fire-Rescue issued a statement saying Chaidez “was a valued member of the department, and selflessly served the residents of the City of Dallas for over six years.”

“The department is currently focusing its attention on Officer Chaidez’ family, and well as the DFR family, through the provision of any and all resources available to help process this tragedy,” the release said.

This story was originally published June 23, 2025 at 10:57 AM.