Former NFL running back Doug Martin passed away at the age of 36 in Oakland, California, as reported by TMZ on Sunday. The specifics surrounding his death remain murky, but it is confirmed that he died while under police custody.
According to the Oakland Police Department, events leading to Martin’s demise began when officers responded to a reported break-in at approximately 4:15 a.m. Saturday morning. Upon arriving at the scene, a ‘brief struggle occurred’ with Martin, who subsequently ‘became unresponsive’ after police took him into custody. Following the incident, paramedics were called, and Martin was pronounced dead later at a hospital.
Family’s Statement
On Monday night, Martin’s family, via his agent, issued a statement shedding light on the mental health challenges he faced prior to his death and the reasons for the initial police involvement.
Privately, Doug battled mental health challenges that profoundly impacted his personal and professional life. Ultimately, mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which Doug could not run.
The family expressed that Doug’s parents had been actively seeking medical help for him. They had contacted local authorities to assist, as he was feeling overwhelmed and disoriented. In a state of distress, Doug left his home in the middle of the night and entered a neighbor’s house just two doors down, where the police subsequently apprehended him. An investigation is underway to understand the events that occurred during his detention.
Ongoing Investigation
The Oakland Police Department has stated that multiple agencies are now investigating the circumstances surrounding Martin’s death. As part of the procedure, the officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave.
