He was stabbed to death

Crazy Horse departed the reserve without permission in September 1877. He attempted to take his sickly wife to her parents. General Crook issued a warrant for his arrest out of concern that the warrior may rejoin the fray.

When Crazy Horse returned to camp the following day, he asked to speak with military officials but was instead directed to a cell. Crazy Horse battled as he became aware of the betrayal. Little Big Man, an old acquaintance who was employed by the Army as a policeman, made an effort to subdue Crazy Horse when the latter brandished a concealed dagger at him.

A soldier thrust a bayonet into Crazy Horse's abdomen, piercing his kidneys, to stop him from stabbing Little Big Man. After collapsing, Crazy Horse was taken to an office but declined to use the cot there. Only his father was permitted to go there.

Even as he lay dying, Crazy Horse insisted against lying on the white man's bed. He demanded to be put on the ground.

Soldiers with guns watched as he passed away. At some point later that evening, on September 5, 1877, 35-year-old Crazy Horse passed away in Fort Robinson, Nebraska, while resting on the ground. His remains were removed by Sioux and interred at an unidentified site close to Wounded Knee Creek.