Nathan Bradford Smith, a 33-year-old man suffering from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, tragically died of heat stroke on July 7, 2024, following an encounter with Coos Bay police officers. A wrongful death lawsuit filed by his family accuses three officers and the city of negligence, asserting that the officers disregarded Smith's medical needs while engaging in personal activities, including watching TikTok videos and sending romantic texts.
The events unfolded when police responded to multiple 911 calls about Smith's erratic behavior near a Motel 6. Officers Benjamin Martin, Tristan Smith, and Wesley O’Connor found him in heavy winter clothes on a warm summer day, exhibiting signs of medical distress. Despite this, they restrained Smith and placed him in a patrol car without immediate medical intervention.
Body camera footage revealed Smith's difficulty breathing while handcuffed. The lawsuit states he struggled to enter the cruiser, gasping for air with his eyes closed. Officer Martin then transported him to the police station and left him in the closed car while attending to personal matters inside the station. During this critical period, Martin allegedly exchanged intimate texts and viewed TikTok videos, as detailed by Oregon Live.
Dashcam footage later captured Smith's worsened condition, unconscious and breathing abnormally. Only then did Martin administer Narcan and call for an ambulance. Paramedics found Smith with a body temperature of 107 degrees, rushing him to Bay Area Hospital where he succumbed to cardiac arrest. The official cause of death included hyperthermia and methamphetamine intoxication, exacerbated by his heavy clothing.
Family attorney Juan Chavez highlighted the gravity of Smith's state when first encountered by the officers, condemning the 40-minute delay in providing critical medical assistance. The New York Post reported the incident, capturing public attention with a tweet underscoring the alleged negligence.
The lawsuit raises serious questions about police conduct and the prioritization of duty over personal distractions. It also brings to light the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness when interacting with law enforcement. The case has sparked a broader conversation on the need for police reform and the integration of mental health awareness in police training.
