'First class person': Cassandra Chapman named as officer who died at Perth beach
The off-duty police officer who died while scuba diving at a popular Perth beach earlier this week has been identified as First Class Constable Cassandra Chapman.
Emergency services were rushed to Trigg Beach on Tuesday morning and commenced a water search after reports of a diver in distress.
After a short search, Chapman was found and pulled to shore, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
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Cassandra Chapman was commended by a judge in a high-profile court case last year, when she testified against her superior who was later jailed for assault and unlawful detainment. Supplied
Aged in her 40s, the respected officer had been working as a youth policing officer at Collie PCYC up until April, when she left to pursue a career in forensics.
She won praise from a judge last year during a high-profile court case when she testified in court against her superior First Class Constable Alister Swift, who was later jailed for assaulting and unlawfully detaining a woman during a domestic violence callout.
Her colleagues and friends have paid tribute to her online as a "dear friend", "first class person" and a "treasured colleague".
"I will forever hold close the memories of our time together," one person wrote.
Another friend declared "our hearts are breaking" at the news.
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Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to the officer as a "first class person" and "dear friend". Supplied
Emergency services were called to Trigg Beach at 10.30am on Tuesday over reports of a diver in distress. 9News
In a statement, the WA Police Force offered their "thoughts and deepest condolences ... to her family and colleagues".
"Attending to life and death situations is a daily reality for first responders but incidents involving one of our own are especially difficult for our officers," the WA police spokesperson said.
"Our Health, Welfare and Safety Division will provide support to those impacted by this tragedy."
People who knew Chapman were seen arriving at the beach throughout the afternoon.
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After a search by multiple emergency services, Chapman was located and brought to shore. 9News
Despite first aid efforts, she couldn't be saved and died at the scene. 9News
One man appeared visibly distressed as he was supported by the police chaplain and another officer.
The death is not being treated as suspicious.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
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