In a statement sent to SFGATE through Martin’s agent, the family said the 36-year-old former running back had privately “battled mental health challenges that profoundly impacted his personal and professional life.” According to the family, they had called authorities early Saturday morning seeking medical help.
“Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighbor’s residence two doors down, where he was taken into custody by police,” the family said in a statement sent to SFGATE. “An investigation into what transpired as he was detained is underway.”
Oakland police said they were called for a possible break-in at a residence at the 11000 block of Ettrick Street between the Oakland Zoo and Lake Chabot Golf Course at about 4:15 a.m. on Saturday morning.
According to a news release, OPD said they received simultaneous calls about a person in medical distress, believed to be the same person involved in a break-in.
“Prior to his death, Martin was involved in a break-in at a residence in Oakland. While responding officers were attempting to detain him, a brief struggle occurred. After being taken into custody, Martin became unresponsive,” police said in a statement posted on social media.
OPD said paramedics were called and Martin was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
The death is being investigated by multiple departments including Oakland Police Department’s homicide section, OPD Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
SFGATE sports editor Alex Simon contributed to this report.
