'That water out there is his unmarked grave': Family of fallen officer asks community for help Family seeks closure in fallen officer's death For the first time ever, a family is speaking publicly about the death of their son, while in the line of duty, in the hopes to find closure. TULALIP, Wash. - For the first time, a family is speaking publicly about the death of their son while in the line of duty in the hopes of finding closure. On November 17, 2020, a wave threw Tulalip Tribal Police Department Officer Charlie Cortez from his boat. Despite massive search efforts, his body was never found.