COOS BAY, Ore. — The family of a man who died in police custody has filed a lawsuit, claiming that officers failed to provide necessary medical care while focusing on personal distractions, including social media.
Nathan Bradford Smith, 33, who struggled with mental illness, died of heat stroke exacerbated by methamphetamine use after an arrest in July 2024. According to the lawsuit filed Wednesday, Coos Bay police officers allegedly neglected Smith’s obvious signs of medical distress, instead spending time in a parked patrol car watching TikTok and texting.
The complaint accuses the city of Coos Bay and officers Benjamin Martin, Tristan Smith, and Wesley O’Connor of negligence and “deliberate interference,” alleging that the officers disregarded Smith’s condition during their encounter. Smith’s family asserts that he was in clear distress, as evidenced by witness accounts and the eventual finding of his dangerously high body temperature.
On July 7, officers found Smith outside a Motel 6, wearing heavy clothing in what were described as uncomfortable conditions. Previous 911 calls indicated that he was having difficulty and was reportedly flailing on the ground. Body camera footage reviewed by a state police officer indicated that Smith struggled to breathe as he was restrained.
Despite this, the officers transported Smith to the police station instead of seeking immediate medical attention. The lawsuit details that Martin parked the cruiser, leaving Smith inside with the windows closed, while he engaged with personal messages and entertainment for several minutes. Evidence suggests that Smith’s situation deteriorated during this time.
When Martin returned to the vehicle, dashcam footage captured Smith unconscious and showing erratic breathing patterns. The officer then administered Narcan, a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses, and called for an ambulance.
Upon arrival at the hospital, paramedics found Smith with a body temperature of 107 degrees. He subsequently suffered cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Medical reports indicated that his death was caused by hyperthermia related to methamphetamine intoxication, potentially aggravated by the layered clothing he wore.
Juan Chavez, the family’s attorney, stated that Smith exhibited clear signs of distress, and the delay in medical assistance was critical. He mentioned a 40-minute wait before Smith received care, contributing to the circumstances leading to his death.
Kurt Smith, Nathan’s father, expressed his sorrow over the loss, detailing his prior visit to his son the week before the incident. He criticized the police’s failure to inform him about the events surrounding his son’s death, only learning of the cause from a funeral home.
No criminal charges have been filed against the officers involved. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the family’s suffering, as they continue to seek accountability for their loss.
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