Partner shares her story of Pine Ridge shooting victim

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO ) -- Francis Thomas “Tom” Thunder Hawk, Jr., 56, died Sunday after being shot several times at the Pine Ridge Pow Wow on Friday, his significant other Tracey Coleman said Tuesday.

Thunder Hawk was shot several times during the event, Oglala Police and Oglala Sioux Tribal President Frank Star Comes Out said Saturday in social media posts. Star Comes Out described the shooting as an isolated incident between two individuals. Police said the incident involved several individuals.

Coleman is dealing with her own grief but said the community has also been traumatized by the shooting. "This was supposed to be a big event for kids and families. A happy celebration," Coleman said.

Law enforcement and tribal officials have not released many details about the incident but said a suspect had been detained on Friday.

Coleman believes that Thunder Hawk was protecting their youngest son when he was shot by the suspect. The shooting stems from continued harassment and intimidation of their youngest son which started several years ago in seventh grade, Coleman said. It culminated in the shooting of Thunder Hawk on Friday, she said.

Thunder Hawk and family members were at the weekend event Frid...