Doug Martin, a former first-round NFL Draft pick and two-time Pro Bowl running back, died on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. He was 36 years old.
News of Martin's death was first reported on Sunday, Oct. 19, but Martin's family confirmed that he passed one day prior. The sports world mourned the loss of Martin, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Boise State Broncos were among many to publicly share their condolences in memoriam.
In the aftermath of the news, more details surrounding Martin's death were revealed. Here is a comprehensive explanation of what is known about his death.
MORE: How the NFL world mourned Doug Martin's death
How did Doug Martin die?
- Cause of death: TBD
Martin's cause of death has yet to be determined. There is an ongoing investigation into the details surrounding his death as of Monday, Oct. 20.
It is confirmed that Martin died while in Oakland police custody, and police explained he was having a "medical emergency" when they first came into contact with him. The latest details on what transpired before Martin's death are below.
What happened to Doug Martin?
Martin died at a hospital on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, after being contacted by Oakland police, per Bay Area News Group.
Reports say Oakland police were responding to reports of a home break-in just after 4:15 a.m. in East Oakland. The police were called about a person who had broken into a home near the Oakland Zoo, and "simultaneously" were informed that the suspect was experiencing "a medical emergency."
Martin's agent, Brian Murphy, shed more light on the details in a statement released Monday evening, which read, in part:
Doug's parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and he contacted local authorities for support. 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. An investigation into what transpired as he was detained is underway.
The Oakland Police Department offered a statement, which, in part, reads:
Upon arrival, officers located the individual inside the residence. While attempting to detain the individual, a brief struggle ensued. After being taken into custody, the individual became unresponsive.
Paramedic personnel arrived, provided medical aid, and transported the individual to an area hospital for further treatment. Unfortunately, the individual later died at the hospital.
Oakland police confirmed Monday that Martin was indeed the individual involve, releasing the following statement.
"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. Paramedics responded to the scene, provided medical aid, and transported Martin to a local hospital, where he later died."
Per OPD policy, the officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave. The 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.
Doug Martin death updates
(All times Eastern.)
Monday, Oct. 19
9:00 p.m.: Martin's agent, Brian Murphy, released a statement offering new details on what his client was doing with prior to his death. "Doug's parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and he contacted local authorities for support. 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. An investigation into what transpired as he was detained is underway," the statement reads, in part.
A statement on the passing of Doug Martin, with his agent Brian Murphy of @AthletesFirst offering clarity and perspective: pic.twitter.com/pxULx4kAeZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 21, 2025
5:00 p.m.: Oakland police confirm Martin was the individual who died in police custody after a suspected break-in, releasing a statement explaining that the former NFL running back was involved in a struggle with police and later became unresponsive.
1:20 a.m.: Reporter Henry K. Lee detailed the lead-up to Martin's death, explaining that there will be an autopsy to determine the cause.
Lee reports that "[Martin] was having some problems in the back of a police car. … Then they took him — I believe via ambulance — to a hospital, and that's where he was officially pronounced dead."
Sunday, Oct. 19
10:35 p.m.: Henry K. Lee, a reporter from the Bay Area's Fox affiliate, confirms Doug Martin is the man who died in Oakland Police custody on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 18.
4:40 p.m.: Doug Martin's family confirms his passing in a statement offered to the media.
4:30 p.m.: TMZ Sports announces Doug Martin has died at 36 years old.
The report says that Martin passed away one day prior.
Saturday, Oct. 18
6:45 p.m.: Oakland Police Department announces that it has begun an investigation into an in-custody death that occurred Saturday morning.
Doug Martin family statement
Martin's family offered the following statement to news outlets:
It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time.