Ricardo Martinez‑Plough, identified under NamUs ID UCP153171, became the subject of an unclaimed person investigation following a medical emergency that unfolded in November 2025. On November 10, a neighbor discovered him unresponsive on the porch of his Tampa residence. Emergency responders from Tampa Fire Rescue transported him to St. Joseph’s Hospital Main, where he was admitted for inpatient care. Despite medical intervention, his condition continued to deteriorate over the following days.
By November 20, Martinez‑Plough’s health had declined to the point that he was transferred to the hospital’s hospice unit. He was pronounced deceased at 1406 hours that same day. With no next of kin immediately located, his case was referred to the Hillsborough Medical Examiner’s Office for further handling. The agency, located at 11025 North 46th Street in Tampa, Florida, opened Case Number 25‑10254 to document and investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
As part of the unclaimed person process, the Medical Examiner’s Office—reachable at 813‑914‑4500—undertook efforts to confirm his identity and seek potential family contacts. Their role, as the designated medical authority for the region, includes determining cause and manner of death, safeguarding personal dignity, and attempting to ensure that individuals without immediate representation are not forgotten. Martinez‑Plough’s case remains a reminder of the vulnerable position some individuals face at the end of life, and of the systems in place to provide them with proper documentation and care even when no relatives are present.
Date Found: 11/20/2025
