HOUSTON – The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of a veteran deputy who died Tuesday after a battle against COVID-19. Deputy Johnny Tunches, 56, had been hospitalized for almost a month after contracting COVID-19. “Our sheriff’s office family mourns the death of Deputy John Tunches,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. “Deputy Tunches served the people of Harris County with distinction. He is the third HCSO deputy to die after contracting COVID-19.