FBI Agent with Local Roots is Mourned

An FBI special agent with roots in Loma Linda accidently drowned Thursday at a Puerto Rico beach while attempting to rescue a swimmer.

Special Agent Daniel Knapp, 43, was at Playa Escondida when friends of the struggling swimmer asked his help, according to a statement by the FBI.

Knapp, without hesitation, swam out to the young swimmer. The Police of Puerto Rico-Maritime Unit did reach the swimmer, but the severely rough waters and weather conditions overtook Knapp, FBI officials said.

“Special Agent Knapp exemplified each of the ideals of the FBI, as well as possessing those traits which define a genuine wonderful person,” said Joseph S. Campbell, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “He died a hero, saving another life. We will miss him greatly.”

Knapp was born in Loma Linda, and graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, according to the Associated Press.

Knapp served in the FBI for six years. He began his service in April 2005 and had been assigned to the FBI San Juan Field Office after completing new agent training. Knapp was a recipient of the 2011 FBI Director’s Award for Outstanding Criminal Investigation and the 2011 Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement.

He is survived by his parents and four brothers.