TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - The man credited with saving lives when six people were killed and 13 injured in the shooting of former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords has died.
Retired Army Col. Bill Badger was wounded before he helped hold down the gunman in a Tucson, Arizona, grocery store parking lot on Jan. 8, 2011.
Badger's wife, Sallie Badger, says he died of pneumonia Wednesday at age 78. She says the shooting didn't play any role in his death.
Giffords said Wednesday that she's sad to learn of Badger's passing. She was nearly killed in the shooting and still struggles to speak and walk.
She called Badger a great man and a hero.
Badger was shot in the head as the gunfire erupted but still managed to help subdue the gunman, Jared Loughner.