37-year-old dies after police operation in Duisburg – Public prosecutor's office investigates eight emergency personnel

The officers overpowered the 37-year-old and restrained him with handcuffs and ankle restraints in a prone position. During the measure, the man lost consciousness. Police and emergency personnel immediately initiated resuscitation measures. They initially succeeded in reviving the man; he was transported by ambulance to a hospital.

The 37-year-old died there shortly thereafter. An autopsy found, according to the Duisburg public prosecutor's office, that oxygen deprivation – medically referred to as hypoxia – was among the causes of death. The public prosecutor's office did not rule out a connection between the death and the prone restraint. In addition, evidence of drugs was found in the deceased's blood.

Autopsy and cause of death

The Duisburg public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation on suspicion of bodily harm resulting in death. The subjects of the investigation are six police officers alleged to have been involved in the restraint, as well as two emergency medical service personnel. Among other things, investigators are examining whether the emergency responders took all necessary measures to save the man.

The investigations are being conducted by the Düsseldorf Police Headquarters, according to a joint press release from police and the public prosecutor's office. The Duisburg public prosecutor's office confirmed the facts upon inquiry. What ultimately led to the man's death is, according to the investigators, the subject of the ongoing investigations.

Investigations against emergency personnel

The case evokes memories of a similar incident in Italy. In Bologna, a man had died a few days earlier during a joint operation involving police and emergency responders. There, too, investigators are examining whether the restraint contributed to the death. The Italian authorities are likewise investigating the emergency personnel involved.

Context: Fatal operation in Bologna

The Duisburg public prosecutor's office emphasized that these are preliminary findings. Only the final expert report and further investigations could clarify which circumstances ultimately led to the 37-year-old's death. The public was informed about the case through a joint press release from police and the public prosecutor's office.

The report on the incident was broadcast on July 23, 2026, among others by WDR.de under the title "Tod nach Polizeieinsatz" as well as on Deutschlandfunk. As a result, the case entered national media coverage just days after the event. The authorities announced that they would advance the investigations swiftly.