Brian Sneed, the West Hollywood sheriff’s deputy who died in a vacation accident on Feb. 13, was laid to rest Sunday at Rose Hills Memorial Park. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department joined his family, friends and loved ones on Saturday at Calvary Chapel Downey to honor a man who gave more than a decade of his life to the community he served. He was only 37.
Sneed drowned in a rafting accident in Central America, according to a source with knowledge of the circumstances.
What emerged at the service was a family story as much as a departmental one. Sneed’s father, Danny, is an LASD deputy. So is his brother Shaun. Three members of the same family, all in the same uniform, all serving the same department. Sheriff Robert Luna spoke at the funeral and didn’t mince words about what the department lost.
“Brian was a model deputy,” Luna said. “He was disciplined. He was professional, and strove to treat people with dignity.”
“It was a great celebration of life and he will be missed by West Hollywood station and community,” Sgt. Omar Luevano of the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station told WEHOonline.
Sneed came out of LASD Academy Class 397 and built his career the way a lot of deputies do — starting in custody at Twin Towers before earning his way to patrol at the West Hollywood Station. The people who worked with him said he was humble and took the job seriously. A 2023 department recruitment post described him as a devoted husband who liked to travel and stay active, and he left a note for anyone considering the badge: “Never give up, and always keep pushing forward putting one foot in front of the other.”
He is survived by his wife, his father Danny, his brother Shaun, and other family members.
The final journey home
(Photo: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department / West Hollywood Station)
Before this weekend’s service, deputies from the West Hollywood Station stood in solemn formation at LAX as Sneed made his final journey home. His flag-draped casket arrived on a commercial flight, and the men and women who lined up on the tarmac to salute him had worked alongside him for years. The station confirmed in a post on its official Instagram account that he died in a tragic accident while on vacation. “Brian was more than a deputy, he was our partner, our friend, and a valued member of our family,” the station wrote. “Your watch may have ended, but your legacy lives on in all of us.”
West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman spoke for the City. “Deputy Sneed took great pride in protecting and serving the residents, businesses and visitors of West Hollywood,” Heilman said. “He was respected by all his colleagues and valued by the community he served. His presence will be profoundly missed.”
The City Council adjourned its Feb. 17 meeting in his memory.
Supporting his family
The ALADS C.A.R.E.S. Foundation is accepting donations through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25. It’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tied to the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, and organizers say every dollar goes directly to Sneed’s loved ones. Donations can be made at donorbox.org/support-the-family-of-deputy-brian-sneed. The tax ID is 45-3275658.
The department’s full statement on Sunday’s service is below.
It is with deep sorrow and unwavering respect, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department joined family, friends, and loved ones in honoring the life of Deputy Brian Sneed. Deputy Sneed graduated from LASD Academy Class 397 and worked at the Inmate Reception Center before transferring to his patrol assignment at West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. “Brian was a model deputy. He was disciplined. He was professional, and strove to treat people with dignity.” Deputy Sneed’s dedication to service, strong moral character, and the positive impact he had on those around him will never be forgotten. We sincerely thank our community for the continued support shown to Deputy Sneed’s loved ones and to the members of our department as we honor his memory.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with details from Deputy Sneed’s funeral service on March 8, 2026, including his age, his family’s multi-generational LASD service, and remarks from Sheriff Robert Luna and Sgt Luevano. It was previously updated with details about a memorial procession at LAX and information about a family fundraiser.
Hopefully his wife will receive more benefits than all the illegals. Thank you for your service. May G-d bless you.