Former Houston Health Chief Dies After Swimming Emergency Off Hermosa Beach

HERMOSA BEACH, CA — Dr. David Persse, Houston's recently retired chief medical officer and a longtime emergency medicine leader who previously worked in Los Angeles County, died Monday after suffering a severe spinal injury while swimming off Hermosa Beach over the weekend.

Persse, 66, was pulled from the water in cardiac arrest Saturday and resuscitated by bystanders and Los Angeles County first responders before being hospitalized, according to the Houston Fire Department. He died Monday, Sept. 28, surrounded by his family.

"Sadly, his injuries ultimately proved too severe to recover from," the department said.

Persse had retired only months earlier after nearly three decades with the City of Houston. The Houston Health Department said he retired April 30 after 29 years with the city, where he became one of Houston's most prominent emergency medicine and public health officials.

His career also had significant ties to Southern California.

After attending Georgetown University School of Medicine, Persse completed his emergency medicine residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, according to his professional biography. Following additional training in Ohio and Houston, he returned to California to become medical director of the Los Angeles County Paramedic Training Institute and assistant medical director of the Los Angeles County EMS Agency.

Persse returned to Houston in 1996 to lead the city's emergency medical services and was appointed Houston's public health authority in 2004.

During his decades in Houston, he helped guide the city's response to major public health emergencies, including hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Houston Fire Department said Persse spent 29 years as its EMS physician director and credited him with helping shape Houston's emergency medical system and advance patient care.

"Dr. Persse was a pioneer whose impact on the Houston Fire Department cannot be overstated," Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said. "For more than 30 years, he helped shape the way our firefighters and paramedics care for people on the worst days of their lives."

Houston Mayor John Whitmire also paid tribute to Persse, calling him a dedicated public servant who spent more than 30 years protecting the health and safety of Houston residents.

"His knowledge and experience helped guide my administration through emergencies and some of our city's most challenging public health issues," Whitmire said. "I am grateful for his service to Houston and for the lasting legacy he leaves behind."

Persse is survived by his wife, Beverly, and daughters, Courtney and Carrie, according to the Houston Fire Department.