UPDATE:
CALIFORNIA/IDAHO (KIFI) — Former NFL running back and beloved Boise State legend Doug Martin has died at the age of 36. Sources have now confirmed that Martin died while in police custody shortly after being detained following a reported break-in at an Oakland residence.
The revelation of the circumstances surrounding his death was first reported by the Oakland-based newspaper, The East Bay Times.
According to the Oakland Police Department (OPD), the incident took place on October 18 in the Chabot Park neighborhood, a hilly, middle-class area of Oakland. Officers were called to a home 11000 block of Ettrick Street around 4:15 a.m. after receiving a report that an individual had broken into a nearby home.
At the same time, OPD says their officers were notified of an individual who was experiencing a medical emergency believed to be the same person related to the break-in.
As officers arrived, they reportedly found Martin inside the residence. He struggled against them as they attempted to detain him. After being successfully taken into custody, Martin reportedly became unresponsive. Paramedics were immediately called to the scene, where they provided medical aid before transporting him to a local hospital. Martin died later at the hospital.
Official Investigation Initiated
In accordance with department policy for incidents involving injury or death while in custody, the OPD confirmed that the officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave.
The department detailed the multi-agency investigation of the incident in a statement released on Facebook:
“Consistent with OPD policy, the In Custody Death is being investigated by the Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section, OPD Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency (CPRA), and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.”
The OPD has been in contact with Martin’s family since Saturday. The family has requested privacy as they grieve this tragic loss, however they have confirmed on Facebook that the cause of death is currently unconfirmed pending the results of the official investigation.
Martin was a beloved figure in the Boise State community and a standout during his NFL career. He earned All-Pro honors while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was known for his relentless, physical running style.
Martin became a legend at Boise State as he became the first running back in program history to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. He played six seasons with the Buccaneers before ending his career with a final season for the Oakland Raiders in 2018.
The Martin family released an emotional statement on his passing, reflecting on his legacy in the iconic orange and blue of Boise State:
“So many players have worn the orange and blue. Some have been sadly forgotten but not you,” the post read. “You played a game that you loved and right now so many are sad that you left us way too soon. You were more than just a player who wore the #22. Before #2 there was #22. His name was Doug Martin.”
