Retired Washington Detective Who Survived Shooting Found Dead in Montana Lake

Authorities in Montana have confirmed that a retired detective from Washington state, who once survived being shot in the line of duty, has died after a boating accident on Flathead Lake.

Search Ends with Tragic Discovery

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported that 67-year-old David Easterly’s body was recovered on Tuesday afternoon, three days after he went into the water during a boating trip and did not resurface. His remains were sent to the Montana State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.

A Career of Service and Sacrifice

Easterly served more than two decades with the King County Sheriff’s Office before retiring. His former department released a statement offering condolences to his family and colleagues, and expressed gratitude to Montana authorities for handling the case with care and respect.

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Surviving a Near-Fatal Shooting in 2023

Just a few years ago, Easterly survived a violent encounter while carrying out an eviction in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. He was struck twice by gunfire, with the bullets bypassing his protective vest and hitting his chest and side. Despite critical injuries, he managed to cling to life, undergoing numerous surgeries and enduring a long recovery.

A Close Call That Changed His Life

During that harrowing ordeal, Easterly later admitted he believed he was going to die. He told his partners to pass along his love to his family in case he didn’t make it. In the hospital, he credited blood donors for saving his life, explaining that much of the blood in his body at that point was not his own but given by strangers willing to help.

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Retirement After Recovery

The injuries and long rehabilitation ultimately led Easterly to retire. He told reporters that he felt he had reached the end of his time in law enforcement and that surviving the shooting convinced him it was time to step away from the career he had dedicated his life to.