The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Oakland, several police officers, and an ambulance company, alleging excessive use of force and delayed medical care contributed to Martin’s death in October 2025.

The lawsuit, filed on June 23 in federal court, contends that Martin’s mother, Leslie, sought emergency medical help when her son was experiencing a mental health crisis. According to the complaint, Martin fled and hid inside a neighbor’s home, where Oakland police located him. Officers then restrained Martin by holding him face down while applying pressure to his back, before turning him onto his side, where he appeared unresponsive.

The suit accuses the Oakland Police Department of using excessive force, a factor that the plaintiffs say substantially contributed to Martin’s death. It further alleges the officers did not immediately seek medical attention, mistakenly believing Martin was asleep or pretending to be asleep, and only called paramedics after he remained unresponsive.

When paramedics from Falck ambulance company arrived, reportedly more than 15 minutes after the call, the lawsuit claims they did not provide timely medical care. Martin was 36 at the time of his death.

Martin’s parents, through their representatives at Athletes First, stated they were actively seeking assistance and had contacted authorities for support before the incident. The Oakland Police Department initially reported that Martin was involved in a break-in at a residence and that a brief struggle occurred while officers attempted to detain him.

The department did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit, and Falck also did not reply to inquiries. The Alameda County Coroner’s Office has indicated it is still awaiting autopsy results after additional testing was requested by Martin’s family.