Errors but No Crime Found in Tillman's Death by Friendly Fire

Mar. 26, 2007 — -- The Pentagon has confirmed reports that a three-star general is among those accused of mishandling the information released about the death of former NFL star Pat Tillman, who was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in April 2004.Tillman's death became national news, but for weeks the nation believed incorrectly he had died from enemy fire.

In a briefing at the Pentagon Monday afternoon, officials said there was no criminal wrongdoing by the Army Ranger who'd fired the fatal shots. Investigators found that he was taking reasonable action because he and his fellow Rangers were under fire. The report also said there was no hostile feeling by the Rangers toward Cpl. Tillman. His death appears to have been a classic case of accidental death caused by the "fog of war."

It took four investigations to come to what are apparently the final conclusions. Defense Department officials admitted the first three investigations were flawed.

The men who were with Tillman that day knew he'd been killed by friendly fire. A number of high-ranking officers at least had a strong indication, according to the Pentagon report. But it took five weeks before Tillman's family and the rest of the nation were told the truth.

The report names nine army officers responsible for that mistake, including four generals. The highest ranking is Lt. Gen. Philip Kensinger, now retired. Kensinger was commander of U.S. Army Special Operations at the time of Tillman's death.

The Tillman family was initially told that he was killed by enemy fire, even though his fellow soldiers knew that was untrue.

Spc. William Aker told ESPN as part of a documentary, "They shot real close to us and we were waiving our hands. … I heard Brian O'Neal screaming at the top of his lungs, "He's dead, he's dead! Oh, my God, Pat Tillman's dead!'"

"We were told to keep our mouths shut," said Sgt. Jason Parsons.

As the American bullets in his vest later proved, Tillman was killed by fellow Rangers, who say their vision was obscured by the harsh glare of the Afghan sun.