Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed

The parents of former All-Pro NFL running back Doug Martin have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Oakland, California, several police officers, and an ambulance company. The lawsuit alleges that excessive force by police and delayed medical care led to Martin's death during a mental health crisis in October 2025. Martin, 36, was best known for his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was selected last August as one of the top 50 ... ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/253de598da9e192d4e58f9d76bea2b0c?utm_source=openai))

Details of the Incident

According to the lawsuit, Martin was experiencing a mental health crisis when Oakland police officers responded to a call about a break-in. Officers found Martin hiding in a neighbor's home and physically restrained him face down after a brief struggle. The lawsuit alleges that this restraint was a "substantial factor" in causing his death. Martin became unresponsive during the encounter and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/253de598da9e192d4e58f9d76bea2b0c?utm_source=openai))

Allegations of Delayed Medical Care

The lawsuit also accuses Falck USA, Inc. and its subsidiary Falck Northern California Corp.'s paramedics of taking more than 15 minutes to respond to the call and not promptly providing medical care after they arrived. The Alameda County Coroner's Office stated that they are still awaiting autopsy results after extra testing was requested by Martin's family. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/253de598da9e192d4e58f9d76bea2b0c?utm_source=openai))

Background on Doug Martin

Martin was the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft after a standout career at Boise State. He rushed for 1,454 yards and scored 11 touchdowns as a rookie, earning a Pro Bowl selection. He also was named first-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl again in 2015. Martin played six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and one for the Oakland Raiders. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/253de598da9e192d4e58f9d76bea2b0c?utm_source=openai))

Ongoing Investigation

The Oakland Police Department declined to comment on the lawsuit due to ongoing litigation. The investigation into Martin's death is ongoing, and the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. The lawsuit seeks to uncover the circumstances surrounding Martin's death and hold those responsible accountable. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/253de598da9e192d4e58f9d76bea2b0c?utm_source=openai))