A man hailed as a hero for holding down a gunman who shot him, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and several others in 2011 has died of pneumonia. He was 78.
The Associated Press reported that Sallie Badger announced that her husband Bill Badger died on Wednesday.
Tucson.com noted that Badger’s wife said that her husband, a retired Army National Guard colonel, had health troubles over the past few weeks. He was actually in and out of the hospital with heart and issues related to pneumonia.
Back on Jan. 8, 2011, Badger tackled Jared Loughner who shot Giffords in the head and then proceeded to shoot others outside of a Safeway store in Casas Adobes, Arizona. Even though he was shot himself, Badger brought Loughner to the ground. He was further subdued by other bystanders. When police arrived they arrested the 22-year-old gunman. Six people were killed and 13 were wounded in the shooting spree.
Upon learning of his Badger’s passing, Giffords released the following statement:
"Bill was not only a great man and a proud Army veteran, he was a hero," she said. "I believe that Bill helped save lives that morning. And I will always be grateful to him for his selfless, brave actions."
Loughner is currently serving seven consecutive life terms in prison.