Rick Martin Dies: Former Sabres Great Dead At 59 After One-Car Accident .
59-year-old was pronounced dead at a suburban Buffalo hospital at around 1 p.m., about a half hour after the car he was driving crossed the center line on the road, rolled along the shoulder and struck a utility pole before coming to rest against a tree, New York State Police Capt. Steven Nigrelli said.
Nigrelli said witnesses spotted Martin driving with his head slumped and eyes closed before the crash, which occurred in the Buffalo suburb of Clarence. Nigrelli said it appeared Martin had "an undetermined medical emergency" before the accident.
Two passers-by and eventually a state trooper performed CPR on Martin, who remained unresponsive when removed from the vehicle. Martin's German shepherd dog was also in the vehicle and stood by, Nigrelli said.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
