Vancouver, WA – April 25, 2025 — The Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the broader law enforcement community are in mourning after the sudden and tragic death of Charles Gardiner, Interim Chief of the Cowlitz Indian Tribal Public Safety Department. Gardiner was found deceased in a vehicle in northeast Vancouver following an alleged burglary incident, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and a community grappling with shock and grief.

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Vancouver, WA – April 25, 2025 — The Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the broader law enforcement community are in mourning after the sudden and tragic death of Charles Gardiner, Interim Chief of the Cowlitz Indian Tribal Public Safety Department. Gardiner was found deceased in a vehicle in northeast Vancouver following an alleged burglary incident, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and a community grappling with shock and grief.

Authorities responded late Thursday evening to reports of a suspicious vehicle in a residential area in northeast Vancouver. According to preliminary reports, law enforcement officers arrived to find Gardiner deceased inside the vehicle. The circumstances surrounding his death remain under active investigation, though officials have confirmed a possible connection to a burglary call in the same area.

Gardiner had been serving as Interim Chief of the Tribal Public Safety Department since early 2024 and was widely respected across the region for his leadership, professionalism, and deep commitment to justice. Known for bridging divides between tribal, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, Gardiner played a key role in building public safety infrastructure for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, which has seen rapid growth in both its population and economic footprint in recent years.

In a statement released Friday morning, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe expressed “profound sorrow” at the loss of one of its most dedicated public servants.

“Chief Gardiner embodied the highest standards of integrity and service,” the statement read. “His passing is not only a tremendous loss to the tribe, but to all who had the privilege of working alongside him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Local and regional law enforcement agencies also issued messages of condolence, praising Gardiner’s professionalism and deep respect for community-oriented policing. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Vancouver Police Department, and multiple tribal safety departments from across the Pacific Northwest have offered support to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe in the wake of the tragedy.

Details about the events leading up to Gardiner’s death remain limited. The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to release findings on the cause and manner of death in the coming days. Meanwhile, investigators are examining whether Gardiner was responding to a call for service when he died, and whether foul play was involved.

Gardiner’s colleagues describe him as a quiet but passionate leader, with decades of experience in law enforcement and tribal governance. Prior to his appointment as Interim Chief, he served in various law enforcement roles across the state, including work with public safety departments in rural and tribal jurisdictions. His experience made him a vital asset to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe as it worked to strengthen its sovereignty through the development of its own public safety and judicial systems.

The tribe has not yet announced funeral arrangements, but officials say plans are underway for a memorial service that will honor Gardiner’s life and service. Tribal elders are expected to lead ceremonies incorporating traditional elements, alongside tributes from fellow officers and community members.

For many in the tribal and greater Vancouver community, Gardiner’s death is more than the loss of a law enforcement officer—it is the loss of a cultural bridge-builder and protector.

“This is a heartbreaking moment,” said one colleague. “He didn’t just wear a badge. He carried the responsibility of protecting not just people, but traditions, families, and futures. We will miss him deeply.”

As the investigation continues, both the tribe and local authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation and to allow space for mourning and healing.

Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Vancouver Police Department or the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Grief counseling services are also being made available to tribal members, public safety personnel, and community members affected by Gardiner’s death.

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