Governor Newsom Responds to Developments in Conception Boat Fire Investigation

Statement

Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today:

"Jennifer and I join with family, friends and colleagues as they go through this very difficult time. This tragic incident has been felt by every Californian. We are saddened to learn that Adrian Dahood-Fritz, who worked for the Ocean Protection Council under the California Natural Resources Agency since April as a senior environmental scientist, and her husband Andrew Fritz, were aboard the boat and are presumed dead. Adrian led the state's efforts to manage California's network of marine protected areas, and she cared deeply about the ocean and biodiversity. She embodied marine conservation and was a highly accomplished and respected scientific researcher. Adrian's passion and energy will be greatly missed.

"We are also grateful to the heroic first responders who have been working around the clock on search, recovery and identification efforts. The Governor's Office of Emergency Services is working closely with local first responders to provide assistance and is in a unified command to ensure cross-jurisdictional coordination. California is committed to assisting in recovery efforts and the investigation however possible. Based on the findings of the investigation, the state will take action to prevent horrific boat fires like this in the future."

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