The family of former NFL running back Doug Martin has filed a lawsuit against the City of Oakland, the Oakland Police Department, and ambulance provider Falck Northern California, alleging their actions led to his death during a mental health crisis last October.
The lawsuit claims officers restrained Martin face down and that paramedics did not provide medical care quickly enough after reaching the scene.
Martin, 36, was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
The case was filed on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
Doug Martin's family alleges restraint asphyxia, claiming that Martin died from the lack of oxygen caused by the officers' restraints.
The family is seeking wrongful death damages, medical bills, funeral costs, coroner's fees, loss of financial support, and the loss of their relationship with their son.
Martin played six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before finishing his NFL career with the then-Oakland Raiders in 2018.
