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Walking for Zachary BearHeels

Posted at 6:18 PM, Dec 08, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-08 23:09:56-05

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Family, friends and members of the Native American community gathered Saturday to walk four miles in memory of Zachary BearHeels.

BearHeels was traveling from South Dakota back to his home in Oklahoma when he got off a Greyhound bus at 16th and Jackson Streets. Bear Heels walked to the Bucky's on 60th and Center Streets where Omaha Police were initially called for a disturbance. It was there they came into contact with BearHeels.

Those who showed up to walk took that same route.

According to BearHeel's family, Zachary suffered from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. His aunt, Alph Goombi, said they walked today to raise awareness about mental illness. "It was just so confusing for him to be here and we are gonna think about him on this walk as he made his way trying to find help," she said.

It was determined BearHeels died from excited delirium after being tased multiple times by Omaha Police officers. Jury deliberations are set to start Monday for the officers involved and Zachary's family says they are preparing for the worst.