Richard Tillman, the brother of late NFL player and Army hero Pat Tillman, was involved in a fiery crash that set a San Jose post office on fire. His family reported that he has been struggling with severe mental health problems for years, which have proven challenging to manage. The incident, which occurred on Sunday morning, saw Richard reportedly live-streaming the event as he crashed into the post office. He was arrested and charged with arson, with a court appearance scheduled for Wednesday. The family highlighted that securing proper care for Richard’s mental health issues has been an ongoing struggle.
This tragic incident has sparked discussions about mental health resources and the challenges faced by individuals with severe mental health conditions in accessing adequate care. Kevin Tillman, Richard’s brother and Pat’s sibling, expressed that their family is relieved no one was physically harmed during the crash. He emphasized that the family has been in communication with local authorities and is working to provide context, but noted that the lack of proper care for Richard has been a long-standing issue.
Pat Tillman, a former Arizona Cardinals player who left his NFL career to join the U.S. Army after the Sept. 11 attacks, is remembered for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. His death in the Afghan mountains was initially attributed to enemy fire but was later reclassified as an accident by the Pentagon in 2007. This history adds a layer of complexity to the current situation, as it brings attention to the family’s legacy and the ongoing challenges faced by Richard.
The crash, which took place around 3 a.m. in a strip mall, required about 50 firefighters to extinguish the flames over an hour and a half. The incident has prompted broader conversations about the intersection of mental health and public safety, as well as the importance of accessible mental health resources for those in need.
While the family has not provided further details, the case continues to highlight the significance of mental health advocacy and the need for more comprehensive support systems to address such challenges in the future.