Sgt. La David Johnson, a soldier killed earlier this year during an ambush in Niger, fought "to the end," according to a military probe reported by The Associated Press on Sunday.

Johnson and two Nigerien soldiers fought back and attempted to get away from the ambush, but Johnson was hit by machine gun fire up to 18 times from far away, the AP said.

ADVERTISEMENT

The AP story also disputed prior reporting that indicated Johnson may have been tied up and held as a prisoner or shot from a close distance. He is thought to have died during the ambush.

Officials told the news service that Johnson’s body was discovered covered under brush. He was still in uniform, but his equipment and boots had been taken.

Johnson’s body was found two days after the ambush. His death sparked controversy after President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE’s phone call with Johnson’s widow.

Rep. Frederica Wilson Frederica Patricia WilsonHarris calls it 'outrageous' Trump downplayed coronavirus House passes bill establishing commission to study racial disparities affecting Black men, boys Florida county official apologizes for social media post invoking Hitler MORE (D-Fla.), who was present for the call, said Trump told Johnson’s widow that her husband “knew what he signed up for." The president repeatedly denied this description of the call.