Review: Police did not cause Celtics fan's death

BOSTON - An independent investigation of the death of a Boston Celtics fan who became ill in police custody has found that officers acted "reasonably."

But Tuesday's report by former U.S. attorney Donald Stern also found it wasn't clear who was monitoring 22-year-old David Woodman after he was arrested. Stern said the officers quickly provided medical aid when Woodman had breathing problems and did not contribute to his death. But he recommended police be given more training in managing similar situations.

Woodman had been placed into custody June 18, 2008, during championship celebrations. He was arrested on a public drinking charge and stopped breathing while in custody. When EMTs arrived on the scene, he had no pulse, and his body was blue and cold. He died 11 days later.

His parents, Cathy and Jeff Woodman, have been critical of the police response and planned a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

The state medical examiner found Woodman died from a heart arrhythmia. Prosecutors have declined to file criminal charges in his death.

(Copyright (c) 2009 Sunbeam Television. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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