Rikers detainee is 7th to die at troubled jail complex this year

A detainee died on Rikers Island early Monday — the seventh person to die in custody at the hellish jail complex this year.

The inmate died in the George R. Vierno Center at about 1:30 a.m. The Department of Correction did not immediately identify the cause of death.

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of this individual,” said Correction Commissioner Louis Molina. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Every person in our custody is someone’s son, daughter, brother or sister, and it is an especially heartbreaking tragedy to learn that a loved one has passed away while incarcerated.”

Correction officials said release of his name was being withheld pending family notification.

In 2021, 16 people died in city custody.

Last week, a Manhattan federal judge approved Mayor Adams’ plan to regain control of Rikers Island, which has been mired in dysfunction that has forced staff to work double and triple shifts while inmates lack basic safety and security.

Advocates cited the death as further evidence of the need for a federal court takeover of the city jails, as well as a dramatic reduction of the jail population.

“This latest death is beyond words — and beyond belief. This continuing humanitarian crisis can no longer be ignored by the city, by prosecutors and judges, and by lawmakers in every level of government. We need decarceration now for the safety of our loved ones and neighbors,” Victor Pate, co-director of the HALT solitary campaign said in a statement.

“Another death. No one can deny any longer that stepping foot on Rikers is a potential death sentence. The people responsible — mayor, DOC commish, DA that asked for bail — will call it a tragedy while refusing to take the action that will save lives,” wrote Councilwoman Tiffany Caban (D-Queens).

Tina Luongo, head of the Legal Aid Society’s criminal defense practice said, “The federal court and everyone else thinks that [the Correction Department] and the mayor can manage an improvement of Rikers. And as we wait, people are dying!!!”