Frank Clearwater, a 47-year-old Native American man of Cherokee and Apache descent, traveled to Wounded Knee in spring 1973 with his wife to show support for the American Indian Movement and the Oglala Lakota. After finding a place to rest inside an occupied village church, he was struck in the head by a bullet that pierced the church wall during the fierce firefight on April 17, 1973.

Cleared of immediate danger, he was evacuated to a Rapid City hospital but died of his wounds on April 25, 1973. A dispute followed over his burial: his wife wanted him interred at Wounded Knee, but federal authorities and the Oglala Sioux tribal council denied that wish. A wake took place at Lakota spiritual leader Frank Fools Crow’s home, and Clearwater was buried on Leonard Crow Dog’s property on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

Reports say the fatal shot came from a U.S. federal marshal amid the prolonged siege, but no individual was publicly identified or arrested for the killing. Does anyone have information about Clearwater’s time at Wounded Knee or the circumstances of his burial?